Verse of the Day 1/3

 

Colossians 3:17  And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

 

Today's verse is a good one to consider as we head into the New Year.  John MacArthur notes that it "simply means to act consistently with who He is and what He wants".  I must say that doing so is not so simple.

 

The verse is a good one and as with all of scripture it can stand on its own, but as with the rest of the Bible reading it in context brings so much more to us.  In the passage, beginning in verse 12, we are given some ideas of the things that we are to be doing, such as being compassionate, showing kindness, meekness, humility, patience, forgiveness, and having peace.  Oh, and I must not forget, giving thanks to God in all of these things.

 

One of the big questions we hear all around us is why can't they just get along?  Perhaps if we, if I, were to do these things, walk this way, "in step with each other" (The Message) we would get along better.  As The Message puts it in verse 15 "let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other".  It is when we "do" in the name of the Lord Jesus that we can live in harmony.

 

In Christ,
Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

 

Colossians 3:12-25The Message (MSG)

^12-14 So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

^15-17 Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.