I’ve often found the idea of doing something in someone else’s name a bit confusing. What does that mean? Is it simply saying, “This is for you, Jesus” after we win a big sports tournament, when we’re volunteering at the homeless shelter, or when we’re using our gifts and talents that He’s given us?
Paul tells us in Colossians what it means to act in the name of Jesus. He exhorts wives to submit as is fitting in the Lord, children to obey as it pleases the Lord, and servants to work for the Lord, as if they are serving Him. Though these are specific examples for specific roles, it gives us a framework for what acting in the name of the Lord looks like.
Acting in the name of Jesus means we do things that fit in with the character of Christ. We act in accordance to His will. It means we act in ways that please the Lord, obeying the commands He has given us. And it means that we act in ways that serve and honor the Lord, essentially bringing glory to Him.
When thinking through this passage, my thoughts are brought back to the old “WWJD” bracelets that were popular when I was young. WWJD stood for “What would Jesus do?” When Paul calls us to do everything in the name of Jesus, he’s encouraging us not to simply think about what Jesus would do but also how Jesus would do the things He’s called us to do.
God has given all of us various roles and responsibilities in our lives. Some of us are moms, wives, children, volunteers, caretakers, friends, sisters, coaches, mentors, teachers, dentists, biologists, librarians… the list could go on and on. One thing we all have in common, though, is that we are all called to fulfill these roles in the name of Jesus.
I’ve found that there are three useful questions we can glean from Paul’s letters about how to do all things in the name of Jesus. I encourage you to think through each of these questions as it relates to the roles and responsibilities that God has called you to.
- How can I display Christ’s character in this task?
How can I show humility, kindness, gentleness, and wisdom in this role? As a mom, how can I display patience with my kids? As a friend, how do I offer wisdom and comfort when my friends are walking through a difficult season? Jesus’ character guides the way in which we relate to each person we meet.
- What commands of Christ can I obey through this role?
How can I share the good news of Jesus Christ with my coworkers or with my customers today? How can I love my neighbors this week? How can I serve someone in my local church? Jesus taught us to share the gospel, love our enemies, care for those around us, serve one another, and love God above all else. These commands can be carried out even in our day-to-day activities.
- How can this task or role bring glory to Jesus?
How will others see Jesus through this task? Am I bringing recognition to myself or to God? Jesus’ glory was often displayed in the weakness of others. When we humble ourselves to serve others, we too are pointing back to the supremacy and honor of the One we ultimately serve.
When we act in Jesus name, whether we eat or drink or whatever we do, we are representing Jesus. We are called to use this representation to show Christ’s character, to act in accordance to His will, and to bring glory and honor to His name. What a privilege we have to be invited to act, serve, and work in the name of the Savior of the world!
