Colossians 3:17

“And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.” (NKJV)

“Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way.” (NIV)

I’ve heard many people use the old phrase, “What Would Jesus Do?” as a way of getting people to think about their thoughts and especially their actions. In the end this creates a legalistic approach to the life Christ gives us. It may be a good start for a child when they do not fully understand who they are or their responsibility as a son/daughter of Yahweh in the earth. But this verse takes it further. What is meant by “in the name of”?

If I send my daughter to do something for the Johnston family, I would expect that based on the growth, preparation and identity she has as a “Johnston” that she will act and do things as I would have them done. Although, I know based on her personality, she will bring her own unique “Johnstonness” into the moment. When we operate in the name of a king, we operate with his authority, and our actions are the same as if he were doing it, expressed through our own unique identity.

As His children in the earth, each word spoken, each action taken is a release of His authority in the earth. When we come together at the Heartland Assembly (and each day of our lives), may we allow His authority to be released through us in every detail of what we do and speak. May we realize that we are responsible for how that authority is released through us. When we release words with the Assembly, know that they are more than simple sounds. They carry the authority of Christ. His words spoken and His actions accomplished through us will not return void. They will accomplish His purpose in the earth. This region will be changed. Then we will be filled with an overwhelming gratitude that Yahweh has empowered us through His Son as His “name” in this earth.

Pastor Donald Johnston, Jr.