Whatever you do…

 

Misuse of Col. 3:17

 

Introduction

In Colossians 3:17 the apostle Paul wrote, 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. What exactly did he mean by “whatever you do…”? This article will look at what man says versus what the bible says.

 

Out of Context

Taking this statement of Paul’s, at face value, could easily open the flood gates for all kinds of activity. One of the warning signs that people are a denominational fueled individual is when they call for information about your congregation, one of the first questions asked is, “What programs do you offer?” The idea of programs includes activities for children, singles night, couples’ activities, various ‘anonymous’ programs, rehab, soup kitchens, etc.


But it doesn’t stop there; pancake breakfasts, car washes, Church softball teams, casino night, etc. In addition to all of this, people look at their God-given talents as reason to “praise God” and to do it in the worship assembly. Guitar players, singers/choirs, bands, performing plays (talent of writing/acting), and so on.

All of these activities people believe they have a right to do as long as they are doing it “in the name of the Lord Jesus”. But is that what Paul really meant? Are pancake breakfasts and church softball the work of the church?

 

In Context

The answer to this question is given by Paul in the passage that includes verse 17. Starting at verse 16, and going through verse 25, he tells us exactly what he means. Verse 16 is about teaching and admonishing one another in the worship service, verses 18-21 talk about our home life, and verse 22 tell us how we are to behave on the job.

It’s all about our spiritual attitude and how we are the live the lifestyle of a Christian. Most people see their religion as an outfit of clothes they put on for Sunday then remove when Monday arrives. They never think about their religion during the week; on the job, with friends, or at home. To them, religion is what you do at the church building.

When one becomes a Christian, it’s a change of heart and a change of lifestyle. Paul wrote in Colossians 3:9-10, Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him. This is not something set aside for one day of the week. It’s about complete change 24/7/365 of your life.

 

Conclusion

When you ask, “What can I do to praise God in His name?” make sure it’s according to God’s Will which is found in the bible. There’s not against having a talent; God gave us all talents to use. But not all talents given are to be used in the worship assembly. Please re-read my articles on worship.

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