Col 3:17
Without a doubt, this is the hardest verse in the Bible for me. The scope it addresses feels overwhelming. I have this huge range of feelings when I consider the prospect of watching every word and every action to see if Christ would do it or at least approve of it. Yes, I know I have the grace of God when I mess up, but the focus of this passage is on getting permission instead of forgiveness. I am used to running on auto-pilot for the bulk of my day. To slow down and consider if my next action is bad, good, or best is unsettling. How will I get anything done? To put my brain in gear before starting my mouth so that my words are acceptable to Christ is unsettling. Will those words tear down or build up? Are they complaints, gossip, or anger? Would Christ say what I am preparing to say in the way I am wanting to say it? Hard, hard, hard verse for old Harold. Hope it is easier for you. In His Name....
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.
- What does it mean to do something in the name of another person?
- How much of your conversation each day would be Christ-approved?
- How many of your actions each day would Christ authorize?
- How frequently each day do you consider what Christ would want you to do?
- Why should you feel thankful that your words and deeds can be authorized by Christ?
Without a doubt, this is the hardest verse in the Bible for me. The scope it addresses feels overwhelming. I have this huge range of feelings when I consider the prospect of watching every word and every action to see if Christ would do it or at least approve of it. Yes, I know I have the grace of God when I mess up, but the focus of this passage is on getting permission instead of forgiveness. I am used to running on auto-pilot for the bulk of my day. To slow down and consider if my next action is bad, good, or best is unsettling. How will I get anything done? To put my brain in gear before starting my mouth so that my words are acceptable to Christ is unsettling. Will those words tear down or build up? Are they complaints, gossip, or anger? Would Christ say what I am preparing to say in the way I am wanting to say it? Hard, hard, hard verse for old Harold. Hope it is easier for you. In His Name....
No comments:
Post a Comment