An Example from Colossians

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

In the midst of the New Testament, buried within Paul’s letters, lies a powerful message in the book of Colossians. Written during his first imprisonment, this letter was addressed to the church at Colossae. Within its verses, Paul outlines the characteristics and calling of believers, urging them to live in a manner that honors and glorifies God. Colossians 3:17 encapsulates this message, emphasizing the importance of doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and expressing gratitude to God the Father. Let’s explore the timeless relevance of this verse in our lives today.

For further insight on this scripture, listen to this verses Spiritual Kick Off episode here.

The Struggle with Anger and Negative Behaviors

Paul’s words resonate deeply when we consider the prevalence of anger, malice, and abusive speech in our world. These negative behaviors seem to surround us, but the true challenge lies in examining ourselves. Anger, in particular, is a slippery slope that often leads to hurting those we care about most. Therefore, it is vital to introspect and identify areas of growth within ourselves.

Striving Towards Positive Attributes

In contrast to the negative qualities, Paul offers a list of attributes that believers should strive towards: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness. The world we live in today makes it increasingly difficult to embody these virtues. Personally, I find gentleness and patience to be constant areas of spiritual growth. It’s easy to lose our cool and snap at others, but we must remember that we are not alone in facing this challenge.

Simplifying and Applying God’s Word

When we find ourselves struggling with negative emotions and behaviors, we can turn to God’s Word for guidance. Colossians 3:17 reminds us that whatever we say or do should be done in the name of Jesus. While this verse initially addresses our spoken words, its relevance extends to all forms of communication, especially in today’s digital age. We must be conscious of how we express ourselves through text, messaging apps, email, and social media. Before responding or posting, we should ask ourselves if our words honor and glorify God. If not, it’s better to delete or refrain from engaging in harmful communication. Our words carry weight and have the power to impact others’ lives.

The Significance of Our Actions

Paul also emphasizes the importance of our deeds. This does not imply a works-based righteousness but rather highlights the fact that as believers, we are called to work in various aspects of our lives. Whether at our jobs, during our daily routines, or in our interactions with others, we are always on duty for God. While perfection is unattainable, our aim should be to glorify Him in all that we do. By aligning our actions with this purpose and offering thanks to God, we begin to experience the unleashing of the lion within us.

Embracing the Calling

To fully embrace the message of Colossians 3:17, we must step up and accept our calling as Christian men. Our devotion to Christ should be evident in every facet of our lives. God does not confine us to a specific time or place; rather, we are constantly representing Him. It is not about achieving perfection but about striving to glorify God in every circumstance.

The timeless wisdom of Colossians 3:17 speaks directly to our modern lives. We live in a world filled with anger, negativity, and harmful communication, but we are called to rise above these challenges. By aligning our words and actions with the name of Jesus and expressing gratitude to God, we can truly unleash the lion within. Let us remember that our words and deeds matter, and as Christian men, we have the responsibility to honor and glorify God in all that we do. 

Through compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and forgiveness, we can counteract the negativity that surrounds us. Our growth in these areas will not only impact our own lives but also inspire those around us. By doing so, we unleash the Lion Within us—the boldness, strength, and character that come from a life surrendered to Christ. May we embrace this calling and strive to make a positive impact, spreading light and love wherever we go.