Throughout July at Celebration Church we are learning together the value of OBEDIENCE to the Lord. That’s why we’re emphasizing Baptism, learning and living by God’s Word, “walking” with Jesus, etc. I learned a long time ago that the “best life” and “blessed life” is a life of “obedience.”

One of the Scriptures that really challenged me as a young Christian concerning this theme is Colossians 3:17, where Paul writes: “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." That verse challenged me to live a life of obedience every day of the week and every day of my life, not just on Sundays.

Here is what Colossians 3:17 communicates to us. First, WE ARE TO DO EVERYTHING WITH THE APPROVAL OF JESUS. Some time ago I was in a city in Costa Rica where major league baseballs are manufactured. There is a stamp on each of those baseballs indicating that it is endorsed by the major leagues, and that it meets their standards. In a similar way, to “do everything in the name of Jesus” means that we only do that which He could endorse or approve. Acting upon that principle would dramatically change the lives of most Christians – change what they do and where they go.

Second, WE ARE TO DO EVERYTHING IN THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS. A name represents authority as well as approval. A policeman can stand before a semi-truck and stop the truck “in the name of the law.” The truck will stop because of the name or authority that is used. We need to learn as Christians that our authority over Satan, circumstances and everything else is based on the authority we have through the name of Jesus. We ought to live every day and do everything we do in the authority of Jesus. And by the way, we will never have this authority from the Lord until we are first of all submitted to Him.

Third, WE ARE TO DO EVERYTHING FOR THE ACCLAIM OF JESUS. You see, as the Lord’s disciples, our life should be lived for one primary purpose – that Jesus might be glorified through what we say and do (1 Corinthians 10:31). And, it is only the life that is lived with the approval of Jesus and in the authority of Jesus that will bring acclaim to Jesus.

Just think what would happen if Christians started living lives of complete obedience to the Lord every day, in every place, and in every way. We can actually live that way when we seek to be empowered daily by the Holy Spirit. And when we strive to do everything that we do with the approval of Jesus, in the authority of Jesus, and for the acclaim of Jesus, we will be glorify God and encourage many others.

How do you think that Christian’s lives would be different if we all applied Colossians 3:17 in our life? I look forward to reading your responses.