"Living Every Moment for Christ: The Power of Words, Actions, and Gratitude"

Good Morning Church!

CS Lewis wrote: “The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self - all you wishes and precautions-to Christ. But it is far easier then what we are trying to do instead. For what we are trying to do is to remain what we call “ourselves,” to keep personal happiness as our great aim in life, and yet at the same time be “good.” We are all trying to let our mind and heart go their own way - centered on money or pleasure or ambition - and hoping, in spite of this, to behave honestly and chastely and humbly.”

Lewis when on to say....

And that is exactly what Christ warned us you could NOT do. As He said, a thistle cannot produce figs. If I am a field that contains nothing but grass seed, I cannot produce wheat. Cutting the grass may keep it short: but I shall still produce grass and no wheat. If I want to produce wheat, the change must go deeper than the surface, I must be plowed up and resown.”

Spiritual transformation into the likeness of our Lord Jesus is a process, but it is also a journey through which we open our hearts to a deeper connection with God. We cannot be bystanders in our spiritual lives, we must be active participants with God, who is always inviting us into a relationship with Him.

Transformation will never be achieved until and unless we give our whole selves to it. That is why so few actually experience it.

But I can tell you that this pastor is convinced that it must happen, or nothing happens. And I envision a church, this church where people’s lives flourish as they increasingly become like Jesus.

Becoming like Jesus is not an automatic thing. Not is it a thing that will occur in a life that is partially committed to it. It is not just about not doing bad things. As CS Lewis said, it is about being completely plowed up and replanted.

There is a passage of scripture that has been rattling around in my head and is gradually making its way into my heart, to the point that I can think of little else. So I thought I would share it with you so you too might have the opportunity to wrestle with it. That is just the kind of giving guy I am!

In fact, if you want to pick a verse to commit to memory and to meditate on here at the beginning of 2025, I can’t think of a better one than this.

Key Scripture

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 is one of those verses that represent the gospel of the Kingdom of God. One that lays right beside it is...

Proverbs 3:5–6 - 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

If someone were to ask me to describe the life of a person who is dwelling inside the kingdom of God, I would use these two verses.

A kingdom dweller is a person who honors the name of Jesus in every word they speak and in every deed they commit, and one who does not lean on their own understanding but trusts Jesus with their whole heart.

These verses represent the invitation of God to take our whole life into the Kingdom of God and learn how to live the life he has given us in His power. It is the idea that when I undertake all of my daily activities, I am not doing them on my own but I am doing them with confidence, vision and expectation in the Spirit and character of Christ. Whatever I am doing, I don’t do it just looking to myself but I do it in expectation that God will do it with me.

One of the things we do as Christians is to compartmentalize our faith, reserving it for Sundays or specific religious activities. Even those who are in what we call “vocational ministry” tend to do this.

We separate those time when we are engaged in some spiritual activity or ministry work from the rest of our lives. Colossians 3:17 challenges us to integrate our faith into our daily activities, ALL of them. It is the idea that every moment of every day can and should be done with Christ in mind. Whether we're at work, at home, or in our communities, our actions and words should reflect the love, grace, and truth of Jesus. Imagine the impact if every interaction we had was infused with Christ's character.

Some would say this is not possible. I say it IS possible. God’s Word calls us to do this. It is not impossible, but as with all the spiritual disciplines we have talked about, it takes practice.

Go back to that verse in Proverbs. “In all your ways acknowledge Him”

What does that mean?

It means that we recognize he is God, and we acknowledge his authority in whatever we are doing. It is an expectation that whatever I am doing, I expect God to direct me. I expect there to be a movement in my life that is more than me.

Now that won’t happen if I don’t acknowledge Him. I have to acknowledge him; I have to recognize him. Take the verse in Colossians 3:17, ​“Whatsoever you do, whether in word or deed, do it in the name of …” What does that mean?, ​“do it in the name of”? Scripture unstructs us tm peray in the name of Jesus. And here we are told to do everything in the name of Jesus. But what does that mean? Does if mean we simply tack Jesus name onto the end of our prayers or say His name as we do things throughout the day? No. That’s not it.

It means that I do it on behalf of Him. I do it in place of Him. So when I step into this pulpit, I say to myself, ​“How would Jesus do this?” And I do it on his behalf. Do I always succeed. No sir. But imagine what it would be like if I never even ask or consider how Jesus would do it?

Discipleship means learning to acknowledge God in all we do — and it takes a lot of learning. You actually never get done learning because you’re always learning, and increasingly you are able to acknowledge him in all of your ways. You are able to do everything you do in word or deed on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ.

As you do that, among other things, your fear and anxiety will begin to fade because you aren’t out there on the limb by yourself. You are actually watching God in action in your own life. You stop second guessing yourself and lambasting yourself because you didn’t do it right.

You have now heard the gospel that you are accepted by God where you are, that he put you there. You’re in your world to be the light of the world and the salt of the earth — and it is God who makes that possible.

You accept the fact that you are finite, that you make mistakes, that you’re not perfect. And in so doing you get on with the work that God has appointed to flow through your life as you become the person he intended you to be.

See, God has very high aims for you and me beloved. His aim is that each one of us becomes the kind of person he can empower to do what we want.

I am going to say that again because you probably missed it or thought you heard it wrong.

You and I are being trained and cultivated and grown to the point where God can empower us to do what we want. Now you recognize that a lot of work has to be done on our ​“wanter” before that can happen. But that is what life is about. And that’s what we are learning to do as disciples of Jesus Christ.

You no doubt are familiar with that verse that says “...ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you”

That sounds pretty good to me. What do you think?

Here’s the thing. That comes from John 15:7 but it is only half of what jesus said.

Jhn 15:7 ESV - 7 If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

Jesus is not saying I will give you whatever you want. He is saying when your wants align with my will, this is what will happen. Your ask will be coming from a heart that has come into alignment with what I want you to have so of course i will do it for you. But that alignment can only happen if we ABIDE in Him. One of the ways we abide in Him is...

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 is a command that we commit everything we do and say to His name AND that we are thankful people as we do it. And according to this word, no task I undertake is insignificant in the kingdom of God.

Seemingly small and insignificant tasks can and often do have great significance when tied to a higher purpose.

I recently read a story about a janitor working at NASA during the Apollo mission who was asked about his role. He replied, "I’m helping put a man on the moon."

Application: Every task, no matter how small, can be done for God’s glory when viewed through the right lens.

So, living in the name of Jesus means aligning our actions with His teachings and example. This can be as simple as starting our day with prayer, seeking His guidance in decisions, and showing kindness and compassion to those around us. It also means standing up for justice, serving others selflessly, and being a light in dark places. These practical steps help us live out our faith authentically.

Something that is especially relevant in our day is our...

Social Media and Public Reputation

Our online presence reflects our character and values. What if every post, comment, and interaction were filtered through the name of Jesus? This is a challenge to align even digital behavior with Colossians 3:17.

...whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.

I knew a lady who was a professing Christian, and she allowed herself to get all caught up in all this political nonsense that has been going on, especially in the past 8 years or so, and Her social media comments were laced with visceral intent and name calling and just a bunch of unkind comments towards those who did not share her political views and so-called Christian convictions.

Well I took a chance and called her on it. And as anticipated, she did not take it too well at first. She said, “I have a right to my opinions”! I said, well I suppose you do but, as a follower of Christ, you do not have a right to belittle and tear down and verbally abuse those who disagree with you. It is making the rest of us, and especially our Lord Jesus, look bad.

She finally came around and she actually toned it down considerably.

...whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus..

So just imagine...if every word and action of a believer carries the weight of Christ’s name.

So with the short time we have together this morning, I want to try to focus on ways we can live intentionally in light of Colossians 3:17, and I want to do that by reflecting on five key questions. Question number 1 is this...

Question 1: What Would Change If Every Action Were Done in Jesus' Name?

1 Corinthians 10:31 – So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God.

So I mentioned social media a minute ago. Imagine a filter that checks if a post you are about to make reflects Jesus' character before it’s published.

Point: I said a moment ago that living “in Jesus’ name” requires aligning motives and actions with His heart. Ordinary actions—working, speaking, or driving—are transformed when we do them as acts of worship.

Application: So, on way to apply this is to pay attention to your daily routines and interactions. How would you speak or behave differently if you remembered that every action, every word reflects Jesus?

So, doing things in Jesus Name means you are doing them as His representative. What would your daily look like if that were your ever increasing habit?

Second Question...

Question 2: How Can You Express Gratitude in Mundane or Frustrating Tasks? (5 minutes)

Our Colossians verse also says...giving thanks to God the Father through him.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 – "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

So often, we view mundane tasks as insignificant. However, when we realize that every task, no matter how small, can be an act of worship, our perspective shifts. Whether it's washing dishes, driving to work, or helping a neighbor, these tasks become opportunities to glorify God. This mindset transforms our daily routines into meaningful acts of service.

This is about expressing gratitude all the time, not just when things are going your way. I think it is especially helpful to my attitude when I find ways of expressing my gratitude while doing the mundane things of life.

Brother Lawrence called it Practicing the Presence of God.

He said, “He does not ask much of us, merely a thought of Him from time to time, a little act of adoration, sometimes to ask for His grace, sometimes to offer Him your sufferings, at other times to thank Him for the graces, past and present, He has bestowed on you, in the midst of your troubles to take solace in Him as often as you can. Lift up your heart to Him during your meals and in company; the least little remembrance will always be the most pleasing to Him. One need not cry out very loudly; He is nearer to us than we think.”

A lady once told me that whenever she is doing laundry, she intentionally praying for her husband and children and even extended family members with each piece of clothing she folds. This simple act can transform a routine chore into an kingdom act of worship.

So start a gratitude habit. Donna and I find this to be the antidote to grumbling and complaining.

A good way to start a gratitude habit is to choose one routine task this week and turn it into an act of worship by giving thanks while doing it.

So, while you are washing the dishes (or loading the dishwasher) make it a kingdom task and an act of worship by giving thanks to God that you had food in the first place to make those dishes dirty!

When you are rolling the trash cans to the curb, turn it into a a kingdom act of worship by thanking God that you have a trash removal service and all you gotta do is wheel it to the curb.

You get the idea. Turn grumbling into worship by counting your blessings and being thankful.

Next question, ask yourself this...

Question 3: Are There Words or Deeds You Hesitate to Associate with Jesus' Name?

Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.

Illustration: Have you noticed a difference in how you behave in church compared to how you behave at home or in traffic?

Uh oh. This preacher just went to meddling!

When our words and actions are inconsistent with Jesus' character, we are actually dishonoring His name. Think about the times when your behavior contradicts what you say you believe.

Back to social media again. When you are posting content that promotes music, or videos or ideas or ideologies that are opposed to the beliefs and ideologies of your Christian faith, you are doing injustice to his Name.

Here is a good test. If a Christian brother or sister asks to be friends with you on Facebook for example, or wants to follow you on instagram or X, do you have to pause for a moment and consider what they are going to see when they get to your profile on those platforms?

What kind of adjustments do you need to make to your social media to bring your profile and posted content into alignment with doing all things in Jesus’ name?

Maybe take some time this week to clean up your online identity with one that would honor him and align with what you SAY you believe.

Question 4: What Does Intentionality for Christ Look Like in Everyday Life?

Scriptural Connection:

Romans 14:8 – If we live, we live for the Lord.

Illustration: In spite of all the negative things we hear about the public education system, I know that there are teachers, some in this very room, who view their classrooms as a mission field. Teachers whose vocations are not separate from their walk with Christ. Teachers who pray for their students and look to Christ as they navigate the dangerous waters of the public education system as it now exists.

I also know that there are those among us who work in the medical field. What if instead of simply looking after the physical needs of your patients, you took it upon yourself to offer a prayer for the spiritual welfare of every patient you see next week.

Maybe there are some here who work in the hospitality industry. What if instead of simply providing the expected service, you go above and beyond and serve as Jesus would serve them.

Maybe you are a janitor or, what did you call it Dana, “Director of Dirt” or somthing liek that. What would happen if as you were cleaning you were lifting up the folks who will be occupying the rooms you are cleaning? Folks who may never know or acknowledge you were there.

My point is: Every role—whether prominent or hidden—offers an opportunity for intentionality.

Application: So, this week, reflect on one sphere of your life, where you can can be more intentional in honoring Jesus. I encourage you to take one action step this week toward including Christ in that place or task.

Last question for us to consider this morning...

Question 5: How Can a Posture of Thanksgiving Reshape your areas of struggle?

Philippians 4: 6 instructs us...

Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Illustration: Think about the shift of perspective we see in the apostle Paul and Silas while they were in jail. They landed there due to some trumped up charges that they were “disturbing the city”. So they were beaten with rods and thrown into the inner prison with their feet fastened in stocks.

Put yourself in that situation. Jailed unfairly and shackled in a dingy, and most likely damp, rodent infested jail cell.

Definitely an occasion for great rejoicing right? Wrong! But what we see next in that story in Acts chapter 6 is NOT at all what you would expect.

Act 16:25 ESV - 25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them,

What?! Certainly NOT what you would expect from Paul and Silas in such a predicament. Here is what I do not want you to miss. Often when we find our selves in times of difficulty and struggle, our first instinct is to pray, “God make it stop!” “God Get me outta this!”

Certainly one would think that Paul and Silas would be petitioning God the get them out of the unfair situation they found themselves in. But what were they doing instead? It seems that they had adopted They had adopted a posture of thanksgiving and scripture says they were praying and singing hymns to God.

Now you might say, wait a minute Hutch. This says they were praying but it doesn’t say WHAT they were praying. How do you know that they weren’t praying, “God get us out of this!”?

Well, I don’t for sure but one clue we get about their posture was that the word used for Hymns, is the Greek Word “hoom-neh'-o” which means “hymns of praise” More specifically, the singing of paschal hymns which were Psalms 113 - 118 and Psalm 136, which the Jews called the "great Hallel" or great praise.

This set of psalms became associated with Passover due the mention of the deliverance from Egypt in Psalm 114. The focus on the exodus is the reason these psalms are also sometimes referred to as the Egyptian Hallel. These psalms were recited at Jewish feasts, especially Passover.

Apparently these were the “Hymns” Paul and Silas were singing that night.

So it seems pretty clear that Paul and Silas were not focusing on their predicament, but on praising God for Who He is and Deliverance! Interestingly enough, deliverance was exactly the result of their praises and thanksgiving. The very next verse...

Act 16:26 ESV - 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bonds were unfastened.

The point I am trying to make here is that Gratitude serves to re-frame the challenges we face by focusing on God's sovereignty and blessings rather than our circumstances.

And the results can be downright miraculous!

Application: So, think about one current struggle you are facing and rather that wring your hands and fret and look for the easy way out, consider that God is aware, that He has a plan, and find three things you can thank God for in that situation..

What happens next may surprise you and even give you cause to praise Him even more!

Conclusion

So in closing, thinking about God and the name of our Lord Jesus as we go about living life in this fallen place, is vital to our spiritual transformation.

One more quote here from brother Lawrence.

“We must know before we can love. In order to know God, we must often think of Him; and when we come to love Him, we shall then also think of Him often, for our heart will be with our treasure.”

Beloved, Colossians 3:17 calls us to a holistic faith that permeates every aspect of our lives. By reflecting Christ in our actions and words, practicing gratitude, taking practical steps to live in His name, and viewing mundane tasks as opportunities to serve, we can truly live out this verse. Let’s commit to making every moment an act of worship, giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus.

My vision and my prayer for LFB is that we would be a people who are CLEARLY marked by lives of intentional worship, transformed habits, and radical gratitude.

Let’s pray

Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Word that guides and transforms us. Help us to live out Colossians 3:17 in our daily lives, reflecting Christ in all we do. May our actions and words bring glory to Your name, and may we always give thanks to You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.