What actually moves us to do what we do? Comfort, approval, curiosity, and purpose all pull at us. In Colossians 3:17, Josh White brings the question back to Jesus: every word and every deed is to be done in his name, with thanks to the Father through him. The Christian life is not a collection of religious tasks; it is a whole life shaped by faith in Christ and gratitude for what he has done.
Our Work Will Be Evaluated
Paul says our words and deeds matter because we will appear before Christ. That can sound frightening until we remember what Scripture says about salvation. We do not earn our standing with God by doing enough good. We are justified by grace, through faith, as a gift. Josh White carefully distinguishes the believer’s evaluation from a judgment for sin: Christ has already dealt with our sin at the cross. What is evaluated is the work we have done, and work done for Christ will endure.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:10
Paul’s point is not to make believers wonder whether Jesus paid enough. It is to remind us that our lives belong to him. Scripture is equally clear that our acceptance is not a wage we earn:
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
— Ephesians 2:8–9
Faith Takes God at His Word
Josh White names faith as the first motivation. Hebrews says we must believe that God exists and rewards those who seek him. That does not turn service into a bargain with God. God himself chose to promise reward. When we do our work faithfully, we are trusting that he keeps his word—much as an employee trusts that showing up and doing the work will be met with the promised pay.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.”
— Hebrews 11:6
Jesus’ parable of the entrusted talents gives that faith a shape: the servant acts because he expects his master to return and knows he will give an account. The same conviction reaches beyond church roles. Your job, relationships, attitude, thoughts, and ordinary responsibilities are all places to serve the Lord.
Gratitude Changes the Whole Life
Faith is foundational, but Paul’s verse also gives us the heart of our response: “giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Josh White points to the love behind God’s action. God did not have to redeem us; in love, he gave what we could never earn and reconciled us through Jesus. Gratitude is not an optional extra. It is the fitting response to grace.
“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.”
— Colossians 1:21–22
That gratitude can be expressed in every part of life, and it is especially visible at the Lord’s Table. Communion remembers Jesus’ body given for us and his blood of the new covenant. We receive the bread and cup in faith, giving thanks for his death and looking ahead to his return. As Josh White reminds us, this is not one more way to earn salvation; it is a grateful remembrance of the only way we are saved.
So What?
Do not wait for a special ministry title to serve Jesus. Ask what faithfulness looks like in the work, relationships, and responsibilities already in front of you. Do it in the name of the Lord—not to purchase God’s favor, but because Christ has given you grace and will keep his promises. Then give thanks. Our labor in the Lord is not in vain.
“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”
— 1 Corinthians 15:58
Scripture References
- Colossians 3:17 — Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 — The judgment seat of Christ
- Romans 3:21–28 — Righteousness through faith, not works
- Galatians 2:16 — Justified through faith in Christ
- Ephesians 2:8–9 — Salvation is God’s gift
- Colossians 1:19–22; 2:13–14 — Reconciliation and forgiveness through the cross
- 1 Corinthians 3:12–15 — Work tested and reward
- Hebrews 11:6 — Faith that seeks God
- Matthew 25:14–30 — The parable of the talents
- 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 — The Lord’s Supper and Christ’s return
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 — Labor in the Lord is not in vain