Pastor's Corner

Theme for the year: Increased Greatness (Ps 71:21)
Theme for the month: In Jesus Name (Phil. 2:9 - 11)
Topic: What We Do In Jesus Name (Part 1) (Col. 3:17)

Col. 3:17 - And whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in [dependence upon] His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him. (Amp.)

It is readily known that we say our prayers and end them with “In Jesus Name”. It is very important for us to note and adopt a lifestyle that honours the name of Jesus in its entirety. Whatever we do, we should do it in the name of Jesus, not only while we pray. What does it mean to do something in Jesus’ name? When we do something in our own name, we do it the way we think it should be done, the way we want to do it. When we do something in Jesus’ name we do it the way Jesus would do it if He were there doing it Himself. So what are some things we should do in Jesus’ name?

A. Play in Jesus’ name: I believe God is the author of recreation and enjoyment. The problem is that our society does not know how to have fun God’s way. Watch television commercials and you will see that our society says the only way you can have fun involves alcohol, drugs, and immorality. God has a better way for us. It must please him to see his children enjoying life, laughing, playing, and having fun. But they must do it His own way. Playing in Jesus’ name means having fun in a way that pleases Him. Think about all the things we do for fun: picnic, scramble game, ludo game, ballgames, running, skipping rope, the list goes on and on.

Do we always handle ourselves in a Christ like manner while we are doing those things? If we are going to play in Jesus’ name then we must play like Jesus would play. When we do that, it changes the way we handle ourselves, and it makes a big impact on those who are around us.
B. Work in Jesus’ Name: Is God pleased by what you do for a living? Is it ethical? Does it lead people to sin? Our jobs can be used as a way to bring glory to God. When we start working in Jesus’ name, it changes the way we think about our employers, it changes the way we think about our employees. It changes the way we think about how we do our jobs. If we work like Jesus would work if He were there doing our jobs.

Maybe you think your job is a waste of time and no adequate financial reward. But maybe God put you there for a reason. Maybe there is something He wants you to accomplish through your job. God gives the abilities to work and the opportunity to make a living for our family. He expects us as Christians to work in Jesus’ name. Just like playing in Jesus name, working in Jesus’ name makes a huge impact on others who watch you. (To be continued)