Saturday, December 19, 2015

Whatever You Do, Do All Like This

Crystal Sea by C.V. Lacroix
There are several passages in Scripture that tell us how to do all things.

Do All in Love
“Let all that you do be done in love. (1Co 16:14).  As the NIV says, “Do everything in love.” Also see my article, Law of Love in the New Testament.

Do All for the Glory of God
“Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1Co 10:31). Also see my article, For the Glory of God Alone.

Do All Heartily as for the Lord
“Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men,” (Col 3:23). Also see my article, Having a Servant's Heart.

Do All in the Name of the Lord Jesus
“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.” (Col 3:17). There are actually two things in this verse. We are to do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, and the second is that we are to be giving thanks to God through Him. Also see my article, The Name of Jesus.

In Everything by Prayer and Supplication with Thanksgiving
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Php 4:6). Also see my article, The Disciples’ Prayer.

With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,” (Eph 6:18)

“Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1Th 5:16-18)

"Now He was telling them a parable to show that at all times they ought to pray and not to lose heart..." (Luk 18:1)

Keep Alert at All Times
But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36) 

Always Rejoice in the Lord
Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” (Php 4:4; cf. 1 Thes 5:16)

In Everything, Treat People the Way You Want to Be Treated
"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Mat 7:12)

Do Everything without Complaining or Arguing
"Do everything without complaining or arguing.” (Php 2:14, NIV)

Do Everything in a Fitting and Orderly Way
"But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way." (1Co 14:40, NIV)

Children Obedient in All Things
“Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” (Col 3:20)

Slaves Obedient in All Things
“Slaves, in all things obey those who are your masters on earth, not with external service, as those who merely please men, but with sincerity of heart, fearing the Lord.” (Col 3:22) 

Be Faithful in All Things
Women must likewise be dignified, not malicious gossips, but temperate, faithful in all things.” (1Ti 3:11)

Be Sober in All Things
“But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” (Ti 4:5)

Good Deeds, Doctrinal Purity, and Dignified in All Things
"Likewise urge the young men to be sensible; in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified." (Tit 2:6 -7)

Be Holy in All You Do
"But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" (1 Pe 1:15-16, NIV)

Putting it All Together
Based on these passages, we learn that there are some universal commands that apply to everything we do. We are to do everything in love, for the glory of God, in the name of the Lord Jesus, and as unto the Lord in a fitting and orderly way. We are instructed to rejoice in the Lord always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in everything. We must keep alert at all times. Be faithful and sober in all things. In all things we should be an example of good deeds, doctrinal purity, and dignity. Children and slaves must be obedient in all things. We must treat people the same way we want them to treat us, do everything without complaining or arguing, and be holy in all we do. Now let us live like this with the Lord’s help.

Attribution notice: Most Scripture quotations taken from the NASB, unless otherwise noted. Other Scriptures taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, where noted. The Crystal Sea painting is by my seventeen-year old daughter, C.V. Lacroix. You can find more of her lovely artwork at A Brush with Life.

Author's note I invite you to visit these other articles of mine: For the Glory of God Alone, Fruit in Every Season, Doing What is Right, The Name of Jesus, Walking in the Perfect Will of God, Aim for Perfection, Law of Love in the New Testament, Pleasing the Lord, Living a Life Worthy of the Lord, The Way, Will, and Word of God, The Difference Between a Disciple and a Believer, Righteous Deeds and White Robes,  Faith Works!, Practicing Your Righteousness, Is Practical Righteousness a Lost Truth?, Striving to Enter the Kingdom of GodThe Straight and Narrow Path, Holy Living in a Perverted World, Ask for the Ancient Paths, Led by the Spirit, and You Must Be Born Again. You can access more articles like this from the Home page of this blog, and you can also find my complete blog directory at "Writing for the Master."

Do You Want to Know Him?
If you want to know Jesus personally, you can. It all begins when you repent and believe in Jesus.  Do you know what God's Word, the Bible says?

“Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.’” (Mar 1:14b-15).  He preached that we must repent and believe.

Please see my explanation of this in my post called "Do You Want to Know Jesus?"
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Len Lacroix is the founder of Doulos Missions International.  He was based in Eastern Europe for four years, making disciples, as well as helping leaders to be more effective at making disciples who multiply, developing leaders who multiply, with the ultimate goal of planting churches that multiply. His ministry is now based in the United States with the same goal of helping fulfill the Great Commission. www.dmiworld.org.