The Narrow Way

As Christians, we are called to live a life that is markedly different from the world around us, a life that exemplifies Christ in all we do.

In Colossians 3:17, the Apostle Paul encapsulates the essence of this Christ-centered living.

This verse invites us to infuse every action and word with the purpose and gratitude that come from our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Colossians 3 is an appeal to the believers in Colossae to set their hearts and minds on things above, where Christ is.

Paul urges them to shed their old selves and embrace a new life in Christ. It is in this chapter that we find guidelines for Christian living that are as relevant to us today as they were to the early Church.

Colossians 3:17:

“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

This verse challenges us to represent Jesus in every aspect of our lives, acknowledging Him and expressing our gratitude through our actions and our speech.

Application to Our Daily Lives:

1. Integrating Faith into Every Action: We strive to ensure that our daily activities, from the mundane to the monumental, are done with a consciousness of Christ’s presence and authority, embodying His values and teachings.

2. Speaking with Christ-like Grace: When we speak, we aim to let our words be seasoned with grace and truth, as though Jesus Himself were speaking through us, offering words of life and hope to those who hear us.

3. Cultivating a Heart of Gratitude: We endeavor to cultivate a constant attitude of thankfulness, recognizing that every good gift is from above, and expressing our gratitude not just in our prayers but also through our very lives.

4. Reflecting Jesus in Our Relationships: In our interactions with family, friends, and even strangers, we are mindful to act in ways that reflect the love and kindness of Jesus, building others up and fostering peace.

5. Making Decisions with Eternal Perspective: We make our choices, big and small, with an eternal perspective, considering not only the immediate outcomes but also the long-term impact on our witness for Christ.

6. Encouraging Each Other in Godly Living: As members of the body of Christ, we encourage and support one another in this journey of faith, reminding each other of our collective calling to live for Jesus in all things.

7. Representing Christ in the World: We are ambassadors for Christ, and thus we carry the responsibility of representing Him in the world. This means being His hands and feet, serving others, and pointing them to the salvation found in Him.

Colossians 3:17 serves as a compass for our daily living, directing us to do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus with a spirit of gratitude. It is a call to unity and coherence between our faith and our practice, ensuring that our lives are a continuous worship offering to God.

May we, as a community of believers, take this exhortation to heart, so that every word we say and every action we take declares our allegiance to Christ and spreads the fragrance of His knowledge in every place.

In doing so, we become a living testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, inspiring others to seek the One in whose name we do all things.