Serving Jesus - it's all or nothing

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him".          Colossians 3:17   NKJV

Notice that this statement from Paul means doing things for Jesus and what we speak about as well. They can't be separated. If we do something for Him but moan and groan about it, then we might as well have not bothered. It is not blessing Jesus, the listener or yourself. Our words must reflect Jesus as well as our deeds.

Doing something in the name of Jesus, is like authorising a contract with His signature on. We need to ask, 'Can I do this in the name of Jesus?' Can I say this in the name of Jesus? Would it bring Him glory? And, 'Would He cause His blessing to rest upon it?

One writer puts it this way: 'Can we speak it and in the same breath, name the name of Jesus? Can we speak it remembering that He will hear?  William Barclay

The Word tells us 'Whatever you do in word or deed.' We cannot be selective here; it is all or nothing. We live for Jesus 24/7 each year. There are no days off. One prisoner who I was visiting wanted to become a Christian and asked me if, he could follow Jesus for 6 days a week, and kick people's heads in on the other day. Obviously, he was disappointed to hear me say that this would not be acceptable Jesus requires every part of our time. It is all or nothing. It is the same with our words, out of the same mouth comes praise and worship and then words of hostility or harmless jokes (James 3:9). They are not harmless if swear words and/or innuendo's are contained in them. 

Another writer puts it this way: 

'The New Man, lives his life for Jesus. He will only seek to do the things that he may do in the name of the Lord Jesus, and he will persevere in the difficulty of doing such things, knowing that he is doing them in the name of the Lord Jesus.' Enduring Word. David Guzik 

So there we have it, following and living for Jesus requires an all or nothing approach. Nothing else will qualify. It may sound harsh but so was the nails that pinned Jesus to the cross. Think about it.

If you don't know Jesus or, have fallen away, why not say this prayer right now

Lord Jesus, I have sinned. I ask you to forgive me and be my Lord and Saviour. Please come into my heart, fill me with Your Spirit and give me a brand new start today. In Jesus' Name. Amen
dailylifewithjesusbygrahamehoward.blogspot.com  

If you would like to contact me, grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Member of the National Association of Christian Ministers
Why not order my Daily Commentary from Amazon - Paperback or Kindle Check it out. Just tap on Grahame Howard books.

If you would like to contact me email grahame.howard@hotmail.co.uk

Copyright 2025 Grahame Howard.