Recently,  I went to the store to buy a few cleaners that had run out in the house. I can be a bit of a neat freak, but I live with 5 other people (my family) who could care less.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed that my house was so messy, I decided I needed a Coke and a chocolate bar to get me started. As I walked out the door, a lady asked me if I would like to give a dollar to a charity, and out came those words I would ponder all day, “No thank you, I’m really broke this month.”

Remember that Coke and chocolate bar I just bought? I wasn’t broke enough to leave that on the shelf!? Maybe I could have given a dollar to the charity if I hadn’t bought the snack stuff for myself. Then, there was the flip side to the whole conversation going on in my heart. “They will get many people today to give a dollar. They don’t really need my dollar. Anyway, I deserve that chocolate bar for the cleaning job ahead of me!”

Now I know it sounds like a pretty lame topic to discuss, but think about how often you are faced with decision-making. I’m sure your answer is every day, all day long. Every decision we make as believers should be made as if Jesus was standing right next to us. Colossians 3:17 says, “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.” That just packs a punch every time I read it.

So, when I bought that snack or walked by that lady, or argued with my husband last night, or blew up at a meeting last week, etc., did I really think about doing it in the name of Jesus? I bet if I stopped to think about it before I reacted to my feelings, I wouldn’t have done any of those things the same way.

Right after that passage, there is a list of situations, for all who know the Lord, to endure. Each one has the charge to “do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” I am particularly convicted by verses 22 and 23 that say, “Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to win their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”

I work with a lot of people on different things during the week and it can be a real struggle to get along and think of representing Jesus first. It’s not just a good idea and it’s not just for the sake of peace, but, now, as believers, we are a reflection of our God. Mathew Henry said, “There is now no difference from country, or conditions and circumstances of life. It is the duty of every one to be holy, because Christ is a Christian’s All, his only Lord and Savior, and all his hope and happiness.”

I know what you’re thinking…all this from the purchase of a chocolate bar? Well, our awareness of our decisions must start somewhere. The process of change begins with so many different things. Maybe the dilemma won’t be a snack versus a dollar to charity. Maybe the next eye-opener will be an obstacle in a key relationship or something that will test my integrity. Whatever it is, it will only be blessed when I truly do it in the name of Jesus.

I’ll leave you with this last thought from Colossians:

Verses 15 and 16 say, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.”

Praise The Lord!!

Lauren Dillard