Would Jesus Approve?

In the middle of everyday life—meals, messes, and moments that go unnoticed, Colossians 3:17 gently redirects our attention: “Whatever you do”—not just the big things, but the small, hidden, everyday things—”do it in the name of the Lord Jesus”.

That means folding laundry with gratitude. Wiping sticky counters after your child’s snack with a genuine smile on your face. Cooking dinner with a quiet heart. Coming home from work covered in sweat and dust, but thankful for the strength to provide. These moments may never trend online, but they echo in eternity when done with the right heart.

But this verse doesn’t just invite us into gratitude—it also draws a boundary. It asks us to pause and consider: “Can this be done in the name of the Lord?” If not, maybe it shouldn’t be done at all!

Doing something in the name of the Lord means letting His heart shape how we move through the day. It’s choosing to respond with love, humility, and truth—even when it’s hard. It’s remembering that He’s not just watching from a distance, but that He’s Lord over every decision we make. It’s doing things for His glory, not to be seen or praised, but because we want to honor Him. And it’s doing it all with a thankful spirit, knowing that even the smallest tasks—like wiping counters or clocking in at work—can become worship when we offer them to Him.

So if an action is rooted in gossip, pride, manipulation, bitterness—or even habits we’ve justified, like drinking “just enough” or clinging to things that harm our bodies—it can’t truly be done in His name. And that’s a gentle call to surrender. To ask ourselves not just “Is this allowed?” but “Does this honor Him?” It’s an invitation to walk away from what numbs us, distracts us, or slowly wears us down. To let conviction lead instead of comfort. It’s not about getting everything right–it’s the heart behind it. It’s about letting your life preach louder than your words. It’s about asking, “Would I do this if Jesus were standing beside me?” Because in truth, He is.