Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the realm of the dead, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom. (Ecclesiastes 9:10)
17And 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. (Colossians 3:17)
Thoughts: Whatever you do, do it strong says Ecclesiastes- for that is living.
Whatever you do, do it for Christ with thanksgiving, says Colossians- for that is eternal living.
The difference one doesn't care what you do as long as you are doing it. This is animal-like and instinct at work. The other adds a moral and spiritual dimension- honoring Christ. The question is how can we do things in Christ's name- how do we know what he would approve of? The church for two millenia has said that the scriptures tell us God's will- what to do in His name. Neo-orthodoxy would add to do it like Jesus did. The Jesus Seminar people doubt almost everything in scripture written about Jesus- so they have become practical atheists in terms of knowing God's will. Many today believe in God intellectually, but do not know how to please Him, know Him, or have a relationship with Him because they cannot hear God speaking in scriptures. They have been convinced to be skeptical and not step forward in faith.
How do you know what is good and what is not? Majority opinion (but popularity is fickle) , feeling (which come and go), scripture has proven itself as a healthy way to live- but some think not. So these practical, skeptical atheists are left with simply doing something hoping it might be good. Whereas believers are assured of goodness by the Spirit assuring them through scripture.
Prayer: Give me ears to hear, a heart to respond, and hands to do the work you call me to do.
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