DO WHAT!? BE A SERMON.

The silver bracelet I had given to dad was lost. He’d gone on a business trip and left it in the hotel room. A maid turned it in and the manager contacted my dad. It arrived safely a week later. She chose to do what was right. Everyone in our home never forgot a nameless woman, who preached a sermon without speaking a word.

“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 NIV) Having just addressed the church on worship the Apostle Paul’s words seem general, perhaps intending to avoid legalisms in the early Christian church. They inform our lives as Christians today.

Whatever you do, every action, from providing maid service to conducting a board meeting of a Fortune 500 company, the indwelling word of God should manifest itself. How can Christians choose actions?

DO HOW? BE LEAD BY THE SPIRIT.

Pray, ask for help: “Teach me to do your will for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:10 NIV) The nameless maid showed self-control by not keeping a bracelet or maybe she did what she would have someone do for her. (Luke 6:31) I suppose she had Holy Spirit power, showing compassion and thought the bracelet special to its owner.

The Holy Spirit can lead us to choose compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience (Colossians 3:12-13) and bear fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, goodness, faithfulness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)

DO WHY? IT’S WORSHIP TOO.

Actions speak louder than words. In our daily activities we can choose to worship as our response to the perceived presence of the divine, a presence which is holy. God is everywhere, all the time; on our jobs, in our households, on the bus, in our vehicles, everywhere. We have opportunity to show others how magnificent, faithful, patient, forgiving and amazing God is. “By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” (John 15:8 NIV) Make whatever you do be your worship as glory to Him.

© 2014 Linda Pope