yes, everything

Col. 3:17 (NLT)
And whatever you do or say, let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus, all the while giving thanks through him to God the Father.

A disciple is a representative of Jesus in every area of life. Every action taken and every word spoken is done, literally, “in the name of Jesus.” This doesn’t mean we are just modeling the “Jesus” life, but it is also under the power and character of Jesus. What we do can be as he would do it if he were us in any situation. What we say will be as if he spoke those words in the same circumstance.

How do we become that kind of person? We have seen in the prior 16 verses. By losing ourselves in Jesus. Hidden with him, we no longer abide by human nature standards. We are no longer slaves to our desires. Our attitudes and actions are totally our responsibility. “Response + ability.” We have the ability to respond to whatever life brings around the corner because we are already living in the new life where impulse, desire, and rights are replaced by the character of Jesus, the only one who lives in true reality. We are designed to live in the Kingdom now. Where his reality becomes ours.

What are we left with? That generosity thing again. Give thanks. Living every moment of our lives thinking, “I can’t believe I am here and this is happening to me. How awesome is it to be ready and able.” When we face challenges and hardships saying, “Thanks Jesus. I can’t wait to see your next move.” When we face favor and unusual blessing saying, “Wow, I know I don’t deserve this, but you deserve my gratitude, so, ‘Thanks, Lord.’”

If this seems like a strange way to live, “all the while giving thanks,” it is just because we haven’t sold out knowing that Jesus is in charge of it all. This is the day to say,

“I give up. It’s your life, Jesus. I’m just going along for the ride.”