Do All in the Name of the Lord
“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.”(Eph. 3:17).
Our motive for doing anything means everything. In this text Paul makes it very clear that when we do or say anything, we should do or say it to the glory of God.
We often get bent out of shape with one another because someone did not recognize what a wonderful thing “I” had done. We can moan and groan and blame everyone we see, but it still doesn’t change a thing. Jesus taught His disciples, all of us included, that when something is done to be seen of men, the reward for that deed has already been received.
What if Jesus had hung on the cross moaning about how unappreciated He was? What if while He was receiving His stripes by the hands of the Romans He would have complained about how the men He had been closest to for the past three years would not come to His assistance? What kind of respect would we have had for Jesus if He had acted in such a way?
Whenever I lend a hand to help you or anyone else, it is not for you that it is done. Whenever you lend a hand or give a word of encouragement, it is not for that person that it is being done. It is for Christ! If Jesus is happy with it, it matters little what others do or think. In the book of Philippians, Paul addressed some brothers who were preaching the gospel, not for the purpose of saving the lost, but for the purpose of causing trouble and strife for him. They wanted them to lock him up and throw away the key. But listen to Paul: “It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.”
No matter what the motive, the work will still be done. But note Paul’s statement about those creating envy and strife. This was the product of false motives. The work might still be done but the wake of destruction to individuals in the path of a bad motive is devastating. God has called everyone of us to do a job. He has gifted us in the areas that He expects us to serve, therefore, He requires us to perform in that task. If this is true, and it is, it matters little whether everyone around us performs to “our” specifications or not. If we were working for them it would matter, but we’re not. We are working for the King!
Hypersensitivity is worse than a curse in our lives. It causes depression, heartache and continual disappointment. We go through life feeling unappreciated, unloved and uncared for. While these are difficult emotions to deal with, they are out of focus. If we are working for the King, we are appreciated, loved and cared for. God is pleased when we do what He has gifted us to do in His name.
Let’s always watch our motives when we speak a word or perform a deed. God is!