Living in Jesus’ Name Exercise
“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
In the Bible, names often reflect a person's character. So to do something in Jesus' name means to do it in a way that is consistent with His character – to do it the way Jesus himself would.
Every moment is an opportunity to live in Jesus' name. All the everyday stuff of life can be filled with His presence – if you are.
Start by thinking about what it would mean to do each of these activities in the Jesus' name.
- Waking up.
- Greeting those you see first thing in the morning
- Eating
- Driving
- Schedule my day
- Handle money
- Working outside the home (or from home)
- Caring for children
- Shopping
- Watching Television
- Being on Social Media
- Doing household tasks
- Reading
- Going to sleep
- Involve in church life
- Connect with Community
- Other
Keep it Simple. Focus on Jesus' presence with you as you go through these seemingly inconsequential moments of the day. Keep directing your thoughts back to Him. Ask for His help and His guidance or simply share your heart with Him.
Memorize Colossians 3:17 as a way of helping you do this exercise. Ask God to bring these words back to your mind continaully.
Keep Track of how this experiment goes. Talk about with a spiritual mentor of your small group.
*Taken from John Ortberg's The Life You've Always Wanted Pg. 206
As I was reflecting on this list of how to do “everything” in the name of Jesus, what came to me were times of challenge or even just irritation. How do I live with conflict in the name of Jesus? How do I live with the burnt supper that I forgot in the oven in the name of Jesus? When circumstances, mistakes or others’ choices are not within my plans, I still need to live “in Jesus name”. It will only happen through His strength, not mine!!
That adds an interesting angle to “Living in Jesus Name”. How do I live with the daily interruptions, irritations and adversities in Jesus’ name.