Week 13:
Colossians 3:17 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.
Over the last few years I have been reminded, working on, revealed to, and recognizing God working a theme in my life. This theme has been that I should no longer live a split or separated life. What I mean by that is; I should be the same person at work, at home, and at church. I should act no different character wise in any of the three places (or any other place for that matter). I should be the same person, all the time. Now, yes, I have different roles and functions in those three places. I don’t need to be pushing the preacher out of the pulpit because I’m ready to preach or I don’t become the mother of my children. But as far as being real, authentic, and in integrity, I need to be the same person everywhere I go.
This passage reminded me of that today. The key reminder for me was, “…whatever you do, whether in word or deed…” It doesn’t matter if I’m working, if I’m playing, if I’m mowing the grass. I am to be the same and I am to do this in the name of Jesus. So what does that look like, doing it in the name of Jesus? Does it mean I have to keep commands and be on guard all the time? I don’t think so. I would be wearing a self-righteous mask before long if I did that. Does it mean that I need to be constantly saying, “In Jesus name…” all the time? No, that would lose its luster and would wear people out. So what does this look like?
First, I believe I need to be living out my purpose. Of course, my number one purpose is to glorify God in what I do and who I am. In order to do that and be who I am supposed to be, I must be in a state of awareness of His presence and where He is working. If I am living out my purpose that God has set out for me, I will be the same in every aspect of my life.
Second and closely related to the first, I need to be me. It takes a lot of energy to be someone I am not. I believe this is a major area where many lose the ability to be the same. I catch myself being someone I am not in order to fit in or move up. Next thing I know, I am not the person I portray myself to be. I become a poser. I cease to do everything in word or deed for Jesus when I pose.
Finally, I must take all thoughts captive and submit them to Christ (2Corinthians 10:5). Until I started doing this, I was split into three different people. Once I began the process of realizing that Jesus is King and He is Lord of it all, it became clear that wherever I am, I am His, I am the same, and I must do things to His glory. I fall and become selfish, but the further I get down this path of authenticity, the closer I get to do all an the name of the Lord Jesus.
Questions/challenges:
- In what ways have you lived separate lives?
- What does your work life look like? What about home? What about Church?
- What are some steps you can take to be yourself in all those places?
- This week, ask Jesus to reveal to you some areas where you can change your words and deeds and then pay attention. Write down what you see happening.
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I think this is a fabulous post and a great reminder to strive to be who God has created us to be. Often, I find myself wanting to fit in the position, space or gap of whatever or whomever is needed - does that make sense? I seek approval by being the best, helping the most, and filling in whereever I am needed. This is not necessarily terrible but it also makes me aware that I do need to be the same person, regardless. . . . this has started a good thought process. I'll keep you posted.
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