And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17 (NIV)
In Word and Deed
Language experts say that Canadian English is much closer to British English than we might recognize. Some Canadians pronounce the common name for a street as “avenyew”, which is similar to the British pronunciation. Canadians often say “mum” instead of “mom.” They say “pardon me” more often than “excuse me.” Canadians even maintain the British spelling of many words. For example, “neighbour,” “flavour,” “labour,” “centre,” and “theatre.” And in Canada, as in Britain, the final letter of the alphabet is zed.
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It matters how we speak and act. If you are a follower of Jesus, and you’ve told others that you are, then it is critical that the way you speak and the way you act represents Jesus well. In his epistle to the believers in Colossians, Paul writes this in Colossians 3:17: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” There is no wiggle room here. The command is clear – whatever we do, we are called to do it in the name of Jesus Christ. If what you are doing or saying can’t be brought under the Lordship and authority of Jesus Christ, you should avoid doing it. This is a good measuring stick for every Christian. Every word we speak needs to be honouring to Jesus and a sign that we have been redeemed and transformed by Him. Every act we do ought to be the kind of thing that Jesus would do. If every Christian’s life and speech was marked by this, the world would be a different place. How can you speak and act like Jesus today?
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley