How can we make sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory (Colossians 3:17)?

Answer

In the initial part of Colossians 3 (1–17), Paul aims to inspire his readers regarding their overall mindset and behavior. Concluding that segment, Paul emphasizes that all our words and actions should aim to glorify God «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.», (Colossians 3:17). This is the fundamental principle that should guide the believer’s life.

Paul gives specific guidance on how to glorify God in our thoughts (Colossians 3:1-4), how to address worldly desires «Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.», (Colossians 3:11), and how to show care and respect to one another (Colossians 3:12-15). He then highlights the importance of nurturing such thoughts and behaviors «Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.», (Colossians 3:16). Paul concludes by urging that all our words and actions should aim to glorify God «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.», (Colossians 3:17). Following these guidelines, Christians can live out their faith effectively.General instructions, Paul provides specific ways believers can faithfully steward the various relationships God provides (Colossians 3:18—4:6).

Because of the work God has done to make us alive in Christ, we should focus on things above where Christ is (Colossians 3:1-4). Due to the future return of Christ in glory and the associated glorification of believers, we should put on the new self—walking in the newness of life and avoiding the idolatry of focusing on things that serve the flesh (Colossians 3:5-11). An essential aspect of walking in this newness of life is how believers treat one another, characterized by love and its specific expressions like compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience (Colossians 3:12-14). Those expressions of love should be based on the peace that God has provided us through Christ, and that peace of Christ should be a controlling factor in how we think and act within the body—because we have been called to be part of that body with other believers. We should also be grateful for this “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15).

The key is to diligently allow the word of Christ to be at home in us—to dwell richly in us “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16).

Colossians 3:16a. As His Word shapes us, we can be sure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory. The Word should change how we talk to each other, providing us avenues to build one another up and to teach each other—again, this is always to be accompanied by gratitude and thankfulness to God «Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. », (Colossians 3:16b). After providing these directions, and before discussing the expectations of our conduct in specific relationships (Colossians 3:18—4:6), Paul covers overarching principles that help us ensure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory «And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. », (Colossians 3:17). In this also, we are to express thankfulness.

We are given important tools that enable us to ensure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory «And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him. », (Colossians 3:17). Those tools include a heavenly focused mindset «Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. », (Colossians 3:2), considering the “old self” to be dead and putting on the new self (Colossians 3:5-10), putting on a heart that expresses love and its ind.Individual characteristics (Colossians 3:11-14), allowing His peace to govern our hearts, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15), immersing ourselves in the Bible, which is allowing His word to be at home in us, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Colossians 3:16), and being constantly filled with and focused on gratitude and thanksgiving, “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called in one body; and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15,16,17). When we are putting these tools to use, we are more likely to ensure that whatever we do in word or deed is for God’s glory, “And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:17).