Living the Jesus life These two verses - one from Peter and one from Paul, both describe the same thing, living the Jesus life: Col 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. 1 Peter 4:11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. Dallas Willard described speaking and acting in the name of the Lord Jesus as doing it on his behalf and with his resources and this is what the verse from 1 Peter 4 makes clear. Our natural inclination is to live our lives on our own behalf and consequently with our own resources.  This can apply to what we have to do at work today, how we spend our family time tonight and even what we contribute to our church services.  But what to do? You might like to try this experiment: whenever you are about to begin something new (get out of bed, arrive at work, meet someone for coffee...) simply pray and ask God to help you live the next period of time on Jesus behalf and with His resources.  Then expect to receive what you need because the Kingdom of God works by asking and receiving (Matt 7:7).  Don't worry if you find yourself forgetting to pray that way all the time, just keep chipping away at it and it will gradually become an ingrained habit.

David Wanstall, 24/04/2012