Every new year is a fresh chapter, a new opportunity to reflect on where we’ve been and set our sights on where we’re going. We look back with gratitude or regret, and we look forward with hope or uncertainty. As believers, the question we must ask ourselves at the beginning of this year is not merely, “What are my goals?” but rather, “How can I live this year for the glory of God?” The Apostle Paul, writing to the Colossians, gives us a simple, but powerful guiding principle for every aspect of life.
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.”
This single verse provides a framework for living a life that honours Christ in all things and it is a really good verse to unpack as we begin a new year. However, I think it is important we take a step back first and understand the context.
Picture the scene in the ancient city of Colossae. Nestled in the valley of the Lycus River in the shadow of majestic mountains, a fledgling community of believers is taking root. Yet, like a wind that threatens to uproot a young sapling, false teachings have begun to whisper through the streets, shaking the faith of the recently converted. These teachings, alluring yet deceptive, promise deeper knowledge and a higher spiritual plane, but at their core, they undermine the very essence of the Gospel: the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ.
It’s against this tumultuous backdrop that a letter arrives, penned by a man well known – yet never met – Paul, the apostle of Christ. As the believers gather, hanging on each word read aloud from the letter, they are reminded of their identity in Christ and how this should influence their conduct. The apostle’s counsel is not a lofty theological construct – it is practical wisdom for everyday life, meant to guide their interactions, their decisions, their very perception of themselves and others.
Then, like a clarion call cutting through the mists of confusion, comes the central charge from Paul: “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.” It’s as if time stands still, the weight of these words sinking deep into their hearts. Here is a truth that transcends cultural shifts and time: a call to live all of life – every word spoken, every action taken – in the authority and the character of Jesus, with hearts overflowing with gratitude to God. This was the anchor they needed in their storm-tossed world. And perhaps, it’s just the anchor we need in ours too.
To truly grasp the depth and transformative potential of Colossians 3:17, it’s critical to understand the context in which it was written. The Epistle to the Colossians, authored by the apostle Paul while in prison, was addressed to the church in Colossae, a city in Asia Minor. False teachings were infiltrating the church, tempting members to deviate from the simplicity of the Gospel towards legalism, mysticism, and asceticism. Paul sought to re-establish the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ, countering these teachings.
The word “whatever” encapsulates the comprehensive nature of our dedication to Christ. There’s no segregation between the secular and the sacred. The ‘name of the Lord Jesus’ refers to His authority and character. The idea is that every aspect of our lives, from our words to our deeds, should reflect the honour, character, and will of Jesus Christ.
Simultaneously, Paul speaks about ‘giving thanks to God the Father through him.’ Gratitude, a vital Christian virtue, reminds us that we are not self-sufficient beings. Everything we have and everything we are, is by His grace, and we owe Him our constant thanks.
The themes of this verse are not isolated to Colossians but are woven throughout the tapestry of the whole Bible. Paul echoes similar sentiments in another letter:
1 Corinthians 10:31 “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
The Old Testament also shares this perspective:
Ecclesiastes 9:10 “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”
The Christ-centred living championed in Colossians 3:17 is not a burdensome obligation but a joyful expression of our relationship with God. We are liberated to live and act, not to earn God’s love but as a response to His love. It is the Spirit within us, transforming our hearts and minds, aligning our desires with those of Christ.
As we reflect on this verse today, I pray that we will all be inspired to conduct all our affairs – great or small, mundane or extraordinary – in the name of Jesus, consciously inviting His presence and direction. May we integrate our faith into every aspect of our lives, speaking and acting in ways that glorify Christ, and consistently expressing gratitude for His enduring love and grace. When we dedicate each moment to Him, we will find our lives becoming a living testament to His goodness and love, and our faith will spill over, blessing those around us with the transformative power of Christ’s love.
So, as we step into this new year, I want us to explore how to apply this verse to our daily lives. We’ll consider how to align our words and deeds with the name of Jesus, how to embrace God’s authority over every aspect of life, and how to cultivate a heart of gratitude that transforms our perspective. Let this message inspire and equip us to make 2025 a year of purpose, faithfulness, and joy.
“Whatever You Do” – An Invitation to Holistic Living
Paul begins with an all-encompassing phrase: “Whatever you do.” This is not limited to religious activities or overtly spiritual practices. It’s a call to live out our faith in every aspect of life.
Faith That Touches Everything
One of the great challenges for many Christians is the temptation to separate faith from other parts of life. We may see Sunday mornings as ‘spiritual’ and Monday through Saturday as ‘ordinary.’ But the truth is, there is no difference between the sacred and the secular for a follower of Christ. Paul’s words remind us that everything we do matters to God.
Whether it’s how we work, how we interact with our family, or how we spend our leisure time, every moment is an opportunity to glorify Him.
Colossians 3:23 “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”
Just imagine a stained-glass window. Each piece of glass, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contributes to the beauty of the whole. Similarly, every part of our lives – big or small – contributes to the larger picture of glorifying God. So, as you move into this new year, think about how can you bring Christ into the ‘ordinary’ parts of your life; how might your faith transform your daily habits, routines, and interactions.
Living with Purpose in Every Moment
Life is short, and time is a precious gift.
Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
When we recognize the brevity of life, we are compelled to make the most of every moment. This doesn’t mean we need to be busy every second of the day. Instead, it’s about living intentionally – being present, aligning our priorities with God’s will, and seeking opportunities to glorify Him in all we do.
How then shall we live?
Begin each day with prayer, asking God to guide your words and actions.
Reflect on how you spend your time: Are there activities or habits that need to change so that your life better reflects your faith?
Look for opportunities to bring God into your daily conversations, decisions and tasks.
“In Word or Deed” – Reflecting Christ in Speech and Action
Paul moves from the general to the specific by emphasizing two key areas: our words and our deeds. Together, these encompass the totality of how we live and interact with the world.
Words: Speaking Life in the Name of Jesus
Proverbs 18:21 “The tongue has the power of life and death.”
Every word we speak carries the potential to build up or tear down, to encourage or discourage. As Christians, our words should reflect the grace, truth, and love of Christ.
Colossians 4:6 “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
How then shall we live?
Speak with intentionality: Before you speak, ask yourself: “Does this honour God? Does it reflect His love?”
Avoid gossip and negativity: Commit to speaking words that build others up, as instructed in Ephesians 4:29.
Share your faith: Look for natural ways to talk about your relationship with Christ and the hope you have in Him. Think of your words as seeds. Every time you speak, you are planting something in the hearts of others. What kind of harvest do you want your words to produce this year?
Deeds: Living Out Your Faith in Action
Actions often speak louder than words.
James 2:17 “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”
Our deeds are a tangible expression of our faith and a way to glorify God.
Matthew 5:16 “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
This verse emphasizes that our actions should not draw attention to ourselves but point others to God.
How then shall we live?
Serve others: Look for ways to bless those around you, whether through acts of kindness, generosity, or hospitality.
Live with integrity: Strive to be honest, reliable, and compassionate in all you do.
Be a peacemaker: Seek to promote reconciliation and understanding in your relationships and community.
Ask yourself: How can my actions this year reflect the love and character of Christ to those around me?
“Do It All in the Name of the Lord Jesus” – Living Under His Authority
To “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” means living under His authority and representing Him in everything we do. This phrase has profound implications for how we approach life.
Submitting to Christ’s Lordship
Living in Jesus’ name requires surrendering our own will and desires to Him. It means acknowledging His rightful place as the Lord of our lives.
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
This submission is not a burden but a source of freedom. When we trust in Christ’s authority, we can rest in the assurance that He is in control and that His plans are good. Picture a ship navigating through a storm. Without a captain who knows the waters, the ship would be lost. Similarly, when we submit to Christ, we entrust our lives to the One who knows the way.
Representing Christ to the World
When we live in the name of Jesus, we become His ambassadors.
2 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
Every action, decision, and interaction becomes an opportunity to represent Him to others. This responsibility should inspire us to live with integrity and intentionality. Our lives may be the only ‘Bible’ some people ever read. Let’s ensure that what they see in us reflects the truth and love of Christ. Are there areas of your life where you struggle to represent Christ well? How can you grow in these areas this year?
“Giving Thanks to God the Father” – A Heart of Gratitude
Paul concludes with a call to gratitude, emphasizing that thanksgiving is an essential part of a Christ-centred life.
Gratitude as Worship
Thankfulness is not merely a polite response; it is an act of worship.
Psalm 100:4 “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise.”
Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what we have, reminding us of God’s goodness and faithfulness. As you reflect on the past year, what are you most grateful for? How has God shown His faithfulness in your life?
Gratitude as a Witness
A heart of gratitude is a powerful witness to the world. In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul links thanksgiving with peace, encouraging believers to present their requests to God “with thanksgiving.” When we choose gratitude, even in difficult circumstances, we demonstrate the peace and hope that come from trusting in God.
How then shall we live?
Start a gratitude journal and record three things you’re thankful for each day.
Share your gratitude with others, letting them know how God has blessed you.
Make thanksgiving a part of your prayer life, regularly expressing your appreciation to God for His blessings.
Practical Resolutions for 2025
Now I confess I am not a big fan of new year’s resolutions. That’s because most of them are self-serving and inward looking and very few are rooted in God’s purposes. So, as we conclude here, I was to offer five practical resolutions which are inspired by Colossians 3:17 to guide you in the new year. This is not a selfish wish-list – it’s a God-inspired call to deeper discipleship which will expand God’s kingdom and give glory to Him:
- Commit to Daily Prayer: Begin each day by dedicating your words and actions to God.
- Speak Life: Use your words to encourage, uplift, and point others to Jesus.
- Serve Others Intentionally: Look for ways to bless those around you, especially those in need.
- Surrender Your Plans: Regularly ask God to align your goals and decisions with His will.
- Cultivate Gratitude: Practice thanksgiving as a daily habit, transforming your perspective and renewing your joy.
Conclusion
As we step into 2025, let us embrace the call of Colossians 3:17. May every word we speak, every action we take, and every decision we make, be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, with hearts full of gratitude to God the Father. This is not just a resolution – it’s a way of life. It’s not just a helpful tip, it’s our calling in Christ. So, let’s make this year one of purpose, faithfulness, and joy as we live for the glory of the One Who gave everything for us.
Happy New Year, and may God bless you richly in the days ahead!