WORD & DEED

By on Dec 10, 2012 in Current Issues, Devotions, Features

By Michael-Anthony Rene Chavez used with permission

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”   – Colossians 3:17
                                                                            
Not only is this one of my favorite verses but what a sobering thought to consider. Can we say that our words or deeds are done in the name of Jesus?
The Lord does call us to a standard and we can’t do it in our own strength and instead need to humble ourselves and ask for His help, as we deny ourselves daily.
Too many times thats not the case, many Christians say they are too busy with work, school, sports, etc. I remember using the excuse before becoming a Christian that I tried to put Jesus first but that it was hard because of work, school, etc. When I read this verse as a believer I was amazed to see how it addresses both “word” and “deed” because it encompasses our everyday encounters/ activities no matter where we are at.
I rejoice at this standard because it helps me know what way I should go and helps me evaluate whether if what I say or do can be done in Jesus’ name. I’ve met many people who claim to be “Christians” and have no sense of guarding their tongue against worldly perversities.

Consider Jesus’s words:

“Not what goes into the mouth defiles a man; but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” – Matthew 15:11

This should be a sobering thought. Let me encourage you to let your speech be like this:
“Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29

We see that our words need to be part of our self that we are willing to deny. James advises:

“So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20    for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God. “ – James 1:19-20(underline mine)

It’s not only our words but also our deeds:

I encourage us to be reminded of what scripture says: 

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:10

We were created for good works (not saved by them). And I ask how many of us our mindful of this especially in the presence of unbelievers/ believers alike?

Consider Jesus’s words:

“Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit.
18    A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit.
19    Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.
20    Therefore by their fruits you will know them.” – Matthew 7:17-20

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit.” – Matthew 12:33

The “fruit” is synonymous with our “deeds”. Let us be willing to repent and humble ourselves before the Lord and ask Him to help us with this. Too much of the Christian church has let the worlds ways / their old nature dictate their actions and communication. But I urge us to remember we are to be a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).

If we understand this in light of the Tanakh / OT:

” . . . With all your offerings you shall offer salt.” – Leviticus 2:13b

We understand that with all that is offered to the Lord shall be seasoned with “salt“.

Not only is salt a natural preserver (to prevent corruption), but in addition also adds flavor.
Most salt is obtained by the sea.

In the epistles we have an encouragement:

“Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one. ” – Colossians 4:6 (underline is mine)

Let’s consider that water is the source of “salt” therefore we need to have the “water” that Jesus refers to the “Holy Spirit” (John 4:13-14, John 7:37-39) in order to carry these acts out.

Now let us understand this in light of what Jesus says:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14    “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.
15    Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.
16    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:13-16

Light clearly refers to actions. From this we can see that our words and deeds can help bring glory to our Lord.

If we have been saved and are children of light (John 12:35-36a) than let us take heed to what the Lord expects of us. Remember we can’t do it in our own strength but it does require us willing to humble ourselves daily and asking the Lord to help us be a salt and light. Amen.

(This is by no means supposed to be an exhaustive study on the subjects, but simply meant to bring it to light.)

The original appears here.

Further reading