Colossians 3:17 17And whatever things you do in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
This verse summarizes all that came before it and provides the timeless truth that can guide all of our actions. The generic and inclusive whatever (pan ho ti) and everything (panta) show that we can fit any situation into this command. Word and deed cover speech and action, which are the primary ways we interact with the world. Word (logō) refers to how people communicate. In modern times, we express words through spoken speech and writing, especially through electronic gadgets. Deed (ergō) covers the actions we do. It is the same word for “work” or “labor.” Paul seems concerned in this passage especially with the interaction of the Colossians with one another in the church, but this exhortation goes beyond the church. Most people these days spend the majority of their time with people outside the church, in work, school, or being out in the community in shopping or entertainment. This verse serves as a filter or test for Christian behavior.
The key test is doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus. This is actually challenging to understand and apply because it is open-ended and not specific. How do we know that what we are doing is in the name of Jesus? To do something in the “name” of a person in the Bible is to represent that person. Everything we do must conform to character of Jesus. Jesus provides the pattern for our life. We reflect his love, righteousness, and holiness because he has made up new creations. This idea returns to the opening verses of this chapter that speak of the new life hidden in Christ. What people see and hear of us should be Christ and not our own agenda, thinking, or self-focused living. How we live will demonstrate to others who or what is lord of our lives. If Jesus is Lord, we will model him because we are living through and in him. This verse echoes was Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:31, that whatever we do, we must do it to the glory of God.
For a third time in just three verses, Paul calls the Colossians to be thankful. Thanksgiving should accompany (present participle with action simultaneous with the verb do) all of our words and actions done in Jesus’ name. Having thanksgiving changes our perspective by shifting our focus and thinking from ourselves and our own strength and abilities to reflecting on God’s grace and mercy giving to us through Jesus Christ. Thanksgiving is one of the key responses that is part of offering ourselves as living sacrifices in worship to God (Romans 12:1-2). Thanksgiving is also the open door to experiencing more of God’s love and peace in our lives. We express this thanksgiving through him, referring to Jesus. We live in his name and give thanks through his abiding presence in us. This is a powerful passage about Christian ethics and what it means to be God’s holy people in a difficult world.
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