Let It Glorify Him ... Unpacking the Message of Verse Colossians 3:17

Greetings,

Whatever You Do—Let It Glorify Him

“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

Unpacking the Message of Verse Colossians 3:17 

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.” This verse offers a powerful, all-encompassing instruction that touches the entirety of our lives. It’s not just about big decisions or overtly religious activities—it speaks into the mundane, the routine, the spoken and unspoken parts of daily life. It calls for a radical reorientation of our motives, our purpose, and our sense of identity.

At the heart of this verse is the phrase “whatever you do.” That alone broadens the horizon. It reminds us that our faith is not compartmentalized into Sunday services, morning devotions, or volunteer work. Rather, faith is meant to be the operating system of our entire life, not just an app we open during religious moments. Whether you’re making breakfast, closing a business deal, writing an email, comforting a friend, or confronting a challenge—every word and action becomes an opportunity to reflect the character and authority of Jesus.

Doing something “in the name of the Lord Jesus” doesn’t simply mean tacking on a religious phrase to our actions or using His name as a stamp of approval. It means acting as His representative—doing what He would do, in the way He would do it, for the reasons He would do it. It means embodying His compassion, truth, integrity, gentleness, boldness, and love. Think of it like wearing a uniform; when you wear it, you don’t just carry your own reputation—you carry the name and mission of the one it represents. In that sense, living “in His name” means being constantly aware that you carry His presence wherever you go.

This verse also pushes us into the realm of thankfulness. “Giving thanks to God the Father through him” suggests that gratitude is not just a feeling—it’s a way of life. Gratitude anchors us to the truth that all we have, all we are, and all we do is by the grace of God. It’s easy to become self-reliant or prideful when things go well. But this verse reminds us to stay grounded, recognizing that even our ability to speak or act rightly comes through Christ. Gratitude, then, becomes the posture that keeps our hearts soft and our motivations pure.

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Consider the implications of this verse on relationships. If we were to speak every word as though it were spoken in the name of Jesus, how would that change our conversations with loved ones, colleagues, or strangers? What would it do to gossip, sarcasm, criticism, or careless joking? Would it make us slower to anger and quicker to listen? And what about our deeds? How would our daily routines change if we approached them not as chores or obligations but as sacred assignments? The smallest action, done in love and for God’s glory, becomes something eternal.

This verse also addresses the issue of dual living—the temptation to have a “spiritual life” and a “regular life” that rarely intersect. Colossians 3:17 breaks down that wall. It teaches that the sacred and the secular aren’t meant to be separate spheres. For the follower of Christ, all of life is sacred because it’s lived in Him, through Him, and for Him. It doesn’t matter if you’re a pastor or a plumber, a teacher or a technician—the calling is the same: whatever you do, do it in His name.

It’s worth noting the context of Colossians chapter 3. Earlier in the passage, Paul talks about putting off the old self and putting on the new—living in the reality that we have died with Christ and been raised with Him. This verse is a kind of capstone to that teaching. It gives a practical application: if you’ve been raised with Christ, if you’ve clothed yourself with compassion, kindness, humility, and patience, then here’s how it should show up—in everything.

Finally, there’s an invitation here to joy. When we live with the awareness that we are serving Jesus in everything, even the most ordinary tasks can become meaningful. Folding laundry can be an act of service. Driving your kids to school can become a sacred moment. Filing paperwork, serving customers, making dinner, sending a text—all of it matters. Life becomes less about enduring tasks and more about honoring the One who gave us life in the first place.

So, Colossians 3:17 is not just an instruction—it’s an invitation. It’s a call to a life of unity between faith and function, worship and work, word and deed. It reminds us that life with Jesus is not divided into holy moments and everything else. It’s all His. And when we live with that truth in view, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and our lives become a continual act of worship.

Here is a 7-day journaling plan based on Colossians 3:17 — “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.” 

This verse is a powerful foundation for aligning your daily life with Christ’s purpose, cultivating gratitude, and living with intention. Each day focuses on a unique angle for reflection and prayer, helping you carry the truth of this Scripture deeper into your week.

Day 1 – Living with Intentionality

Prompt: Reflect on the phrase “whatever you do.” How often do you consider God in the small things—making coffee, driving, working, responding to a message? Journal about areas of your life that may feel insignificant but could become sacred when offered to Jesus. How can your daily routine be reframed to glorify Him?

Day 2 – Words with Weight

Prompt: Consider your recent words to others—both spoken and written. Have they reflected the heart of Jesus? Have they been life-giving, kind, truthful, or healing? Journal about a time when your words had an impact, and how you might be more mindful of speaking in “the name of the Lord Jesus.”

Day 3 – Actions as Worship

Prompt: Today, reflect on your actions. How can your work, errands, or service at home or church be done as an act of worship? Identify one thing you did today (or will do) that you want to consciously offer to God. Journal how that simple shift in awareness changed your attitude or your sense of peace.

Day 4 – Gratitude as a Lifestyle

Prompt: The verse ends with “giving thanks to God.” Make a gratitude list today, not just of blessings but of moments, challenges, or even people who stretched you to rely more on Christ. What does it look like to be thankful through Jesus, not just for blessings, but in all things?

Day 5 – Representing Christ Well

Prompt: “Do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus” means representing His character and mission. Reflect on how well your life reflects Jesus today. Are there relationships, habits, or responses that need to align more closely with Him? Journal one area you’d like to surrender and ask for His transformation.

Day 6 – Integration, Not Compartmentalization

Prompt: We often separate our spiritual life from our work, hobbies, or social life. But Colossians 3:17 calls for integration. Where are you tempted to compartmentalize your faith? What would it look like to invite Jesus into every aspect of your life—not just Sunday or quiet time? Journal your thoughts and any hesitations or revelations that come up.

Day 7 – A Week in Review: Wholehearted Living

Prompt: Look back over your week. Where did you sense God's presence most? When did you feel out of alignment with the verse? What have you learned about living, speaking, and acting in Jesus’ name? End your journaling with a prayer of recommitment to live more intentionally and gratefully moving forward.

This plan is designed not only to deepen your understanding of Colossians 3:17 but to cultivate a lifestyle of wholehearted, Christ-centered living. Use the verse as a daily lens, and let your journaling time be a sacred space of growth, self-awareness, and spiritual intimacy.

Closing thoughts as we pray for those reading or hearing this verse today...

Dearly Beloved in Christ,

Whatever You Do—Let It Glorify Him

Every moment of our day is an opportunity to honor the One who gave us life.

Whether you're leading a meeting, washing dishes, helping a neighbor, or speaking to a friend—there's power in doing it all with Jesus in mind.

The Apostle Paul reminds us:

“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

Let today be marked by purpose.

Let your actions and words be reflections of His love and light.

When we live with a heart of gratitude and a focus on Christ, even the smallest tasks become sacred.

Press on, in His name.

In Christ’s love 🙏🏻

Be Relentless In Pursuit Of The Will 

Which God Has Set Upon Your Life,

❤️ Anthony and Anna Speciale