Colossians 3:17: And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
This one is kind of like 40 grit sandpaper, or a #10 needle, to the heart…
Recently, I had one of those phone conversations in which a certain someone and I moved from being mere acquaintances toward actual friendship. Rarely have I enjoyed a 40 minute phone conversation more. Personally and openly, he shared with me how he taught his church members about the implications of this verse – Colossians 3:17 – that is, implications to our personal spirituality (or piety or devotional life).
Sharing with me, he made a point about how doing all we do in the name or Christ, in power of Christ, and for the glory of Christ, will expose those truly weakest parts of our hearts. It’s not exactly intuitive, but what we find most comfortable and typical is usually a weak place – an unyielded place in our heart. And, he said, what a blessing it is to know how prone we are to operate in these weak places. This happens when we think, “I got this…”
After I hung up, I thought about what he said (maybe a mistake, maybe not…) these graciously granted revelations about our hearts are God’s discipline (Hebrews 12:7-11) against pride, sure, but (unless I heard him wrong) they are also the kindness of God to show that He is building us up into Christ just as He wants and wills. I agree, unreservedly…”so build away LORD, please…”
Really, then, we’re at our weakest when we walk in the ways we like or are comfortable in: the currents of though in which we think that in our hearts are strong, i.e., asserting our rights, dwelling on injustices, or defending a position or course of action. Being smart, funny, and impressive; slouching toward the lex talionis. And when he said weak, as the last phrase in the verse implies, (i.e., giving thanks through Him to God the Father) — I think he meant (thinking of my own experience anyway) proud.
It reminded me of 29 May’s Aphorism of the week:
Proud people are rarely grateful, ungrateful people rarely joyful, joyless people rarely merciful, unmerciful people rarely loving, hateful people, not just rarely, but never, are God’s people.
Musings from WinDSwept Junction 
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