Colossians 3:17

Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.


My daughter is convinced that Steven Curtis Chapman's Do Everything  is my favorite song. (This could be because when it comes on, I say "Mommy's favorite song!" She hasn't figured out that I have a million of 'em!) I love the message of the song. Whether I'm sweeping up cereal, flipping burgers, or making big trades on Wall Street, if I am a believer each action should be done for the glory of God just as much as a person feeding orphans in Myanmar.

There is no division between the sacred and the secular. Of course there are sacred things and moments that are set apart from others. (Weddings, baptisms, Lord's Suppers and the like come to mind.) But repeatedly throughout Scripture we are told that everything we do in life should be for God's glory. In 1 Cor. 10:31 Paul even reminds us that "whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."

So the cheeseburger and fries I picked up from the drive through are to be eaten for the glory of God? Yep. Smile at the cashier. Pay for the meal behind you, leaving a note with an invitation to church or to listen to the local Christian station. Skip the meal a couple of days a week and donate the money saved to World Hunger.

Clean my house to the glory of God? (I could do a little more of this!) Yep. Make your home inviting to others. Open it up for a Bible Study or fellowship with someone who could use a friend. Let your family see your joy in serving.

Make a business deal to the glory of God? Yep. Value honesty over your career. Never take advantage of others, especially the poor. Donate your earnings even above a ten percent tithe.

I suppose you could get a little crazy about it, thinking that God might care which pair of socks you put on to his glory. But overall this verse is about your attitude. No matter how menial or elevated the task, do your best. Keep the peace of Christ foremost in your heart, and let love cover all your actions! Serve one another humbly in love (Gal. 5:13).


With good will render service, as to the Lord, and not to men, knowing that whatever good thing each one does, this he will receive back from the Lord, whether slave or free. - Ephesians 6:7-8