“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to live in peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, as you sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 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 3:15–17

When we consider our purpose—to stand for justice and respond to the lost and needy with compassion—we must do all, both word and deed, in Jesus’ name. What does this mean?

It surely must mean that as we speak and as we act, we do so in conformance with his will. The apostle Paul warned the people of Corinth of works that are useless for God’s kingdom—just wood, hay, and stubble, or works that are like a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

How do we serve our neighbourhood and community differently? How can whatever we do, whether in word or deed, be done in Jesus’ name? By having the mind of Christ. By discerning his plan, purpose, and perspective. By living at peace with one another, and letting God’s Word dwell in us richly.

Paul told the Ephesian church that, “We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10). So surely we must inquire of him, asking, “What good works have you assigned to me?” while understanding that God’s plan for the world is to bring glory to himself.

All that we do must be done as we walk closely with our Saviour, listen to his voice, and love as he loves. Let us love humbly in his name, and always for his glory.

SCRIPTURE TO REFLECT ON:  COLOSSIANS 3:15–17

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What effect do our words and deeds have if not done in Jesus’ name and for God’s glory? Are they still worth doing, even when not for the right reasons?

2. Has God commissioned you to do some specific “good works”? Are you regularly asking him what he has for you to do?

Rev. Eunice Smith has served with the C&MA for more than sixty years in Ecuador. In June 2013, Eunice became the first woman ordained through The Christian and Missionary Alliance in Canada.