Verse 17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
What an all encompassing command. What if we put this filter on our lives? What would it look like if every single thing we did or said was done in the name of Jesus? How different would our world look? How different would our church look? How different would our personal lives look?
This is the heart of our Rule of Life at Charter Oak Church - "Do the next right thing." Augustine wrote, "Love God and do as you please." That is what Paul is writing here. Whatever I do (it doesn't matter if I am alone or with others), whatever I say (it doesn't matter if I am with people who are easy to love or who are difficult to love) I must do and say everything with the very heart of Jesus.
The Message verse 23-25: "Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work."
We need to give God our best. The best of our time, talents, and resources. I have offered God some shoddy work over the years. My effort needs to be better in all areas of my life: marriage, parenthood, work, friendships, the church.......God gave us His best in Jesus. I need to offer my best to Him.
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Put them all together and it sounds like respect. Treat those you love with love, do not expect them to wait on you hand and foot. Do things that show your love and enjoy being part of a family. Makes the home a much happier place
Charter Oak Church is a family of Jesus followers who want to reach out to those who are searching and equip believers to become fully devoted followers of Jesus.
Verse 17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
ReplyDeleteWhat an all encompassing command. What if we put this filter on our lives? What would it look like if every single thing we did or said was done in the name of Jesus? How different would our world look? How different would our church look? How different would our personal lives look?
This is the heart of our Rule of Life at Charter Oak Church - "Do the next right thing." Augustine wrote, "Love God and do as you please." That is what Paul is writing here. Whatever I do (it doesn't matter if I am alone or with others), whatever I say (it doesn't matter if I am with people who are easy to love or who are difficult to love) I must do and say everything with the very heart of Jesus.
I have a long way to go.
The Message verse 23-25: "Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you'll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you're serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being Christian doesn't cover up bad work."
ReplyDeleteWe need to give God our best. The best of our time, talents, and resources. I have offered God some shoddy work over the years. My effort needs to be better in all areas of my life: marriage, parenthood, work, friendships, the church.......God gave us His best in Jesus. I need to offer my best to Him.
12Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
ReplyDeleteI love this. As I dress for the day, I also need to put these qualities on and go out into the community with them.
18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. 20Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
ReplyDeletePut them all together and it sounds like respect. Treat those you love with love, do not expect them to wait on you hand and foot. Do things that show your love and enjoy being part of a family.
Makes the home a much happier place