“You Motivated Me”

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. — Col. 3:17

I was halfway into my first mile when a young women waved me down. I walked over and she said, “I see you running a lot. You motivated me. I’ve lost fifty pounds.”

What a nice surprise! (It wasn’t my intention.)

We might assume Paul is telling the Colossians to be strategic with what they say and do. But what if he’s just encouraging them to faithfully bear God’s name all the time? Just live this way. Naturally. Genuinely. And then watch what happens. They will experience more eternal life. And perhaps an onlooker will be motivated to encounter it too.