In the Name

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Long, long after God commanded that we not use God's name in vain, the Apostle Paul writes to the Colossian church to do everything in the name of the Lord. Both of these instructions can cause us to stop and think, and to ask what is meant exactly. In Paul's case, he had just given the Colossian church (3:12-17) some characteristics, or a description, of a community of faith. He says, "...clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience...with love" -- things that are not automatic or natural. Then he says, "whatever you do , in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus." Our church's mission captures that as we view our purpose to be "changing lives in the name of Jesus Christ." Jesus adds to Paul's words where He says, "You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." This past Sunday, Pastor Jen Hibben gave us a couple of ideas to consider as we seek to understand what it means to do everything in Jesus' name. It's "on behalf of" Jesus. What if we approached what we do as being on behalf of Jesus? This shifts attention from us and onto Jesus. Or how about "by authority of Jesus"? The disciples were empowered to do mighty and amazing things in Jesus' name. Sometimes we underestimate ourselves, or what God is able to do through us. Although we're human, in Christ, we're new / renewed -- different -- and God is able to work through us "in Jesus' name". And the really good news is that even if we mess up, God is still able to turn our messes into good things of beauty. So "let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts...and be thankful...and whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord..." Amen.

Gene Kelsey, Director of Christian Education