What is your name? Seems like a pretty easy question to answer, doesn’t it? But what if I told you that “name” doesn’t always mean the same thing?
Understanding this is especially important when it comes to a vital command given by Paul in the book of Colossians: “Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Colossians 3:17).
Maybe you’ve heard this verse your entire life. You’ve sung it in songs. You may even feel confident that you’re obeying it. But let’s take a few minutes to examine what Paul really meant when he said to “do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
1. “Name” Can Mean What Someone Is Called
Sometimes, “name” simply refers to what someone is called. I don’t believe that’s what Paul meant here—but unfortunately, you don’t have to look far to find people who seem to think otherwise. They act as though simply saying the phrase “in Jesus’ name” before an action makes it appropriate and godly.
This kind of thinking can lead to not only absurd but spiritually dangerous behavior. Wars have been fought “in Jesus’ name” (e.g., the Crusades), even though Jesus clearly said His kingdom is not of this world and rejected military conquest as a way to advance it (John 18:36). Some liquor brands bear the name “Christian” on their bottles, despite Christ’s apostles teaching that drunkards will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:9–10).
Or consider the person wearing an “I love Jesus” shirt while speaking in a foul and abusive way. These examples show that reducing Colossians 3:17 to the five letters J-E-S-U-S is not only a misinterpretation but can also undermine the message and influence of the gospel.
2. “Name” Can Mean Authority
In ancient times, if you heard someone declare, “in the name of the king,” you knew they were invoking authority. That phrase demanded obedience—either to enjoy the king’s benefits or avoid his wrath.
We see this in Esther 8:8: “Now you write to the Jews as you see fit, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s signet ring; for a decree which is written in the name of the king and sealed with the king’s signet ring may not be revoked.” The king wasn’t telling Esther to take on his name (Ahasuerus)—he was giving her the authority to act.
Authority means the right to rule or act. God’s people have always understood this principle. Even Jesus was asked by the chief priests and elders, “By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?” (Matthew 21:23). It was a fair question—even if their motives were’t right.
This concept is also made clear in Matthew 7:21–23, where Jesus warns that many will claim to have done great works “in [His] name,” but will be turned away because they practiced lawlessness—things not authorized by the Father’s will. Their actions lacked divine authority, regardless of their intentions.
So does it fit the context of Colossians 3:17 to say we must live and worship under Christ’s authority? Absolutely. But there’s even more to it.
3. “Name” Can Mean Reputation
Why don’t you meet many people named Jezebel or Hitler? Because those names carry terrible reputations. Though they’re just combinations of letters, they represent lives known to be marked by evil and dishonor.
This is almost certainly what Solomon had in mind when he wrote: “A good name is better than a good ointment” (Ecclesiastes 7:1). Perfume may be pleasant and expensive, but a good name—a good reputation—is more valuable. It brings honor, influence, and possibly eternal reward if God recognizes you as faithful.
What something is called can misrepresent what it really is (its reputation). If a husband gave his wife a vacuum and nicknamed it “Rose” after she asked for flowers, he would completely miss the point. Similarly, Jesus told the church at Sardis: “You have a name that you are alive, but you are dead” (Revelation 3:1). They were called faithful by many —but Christ saw their true condition.
Living in the Reputation of Christ
What’s the point? While there’s nothing wrong with being called “Christian” or “disciple,” and while we absolutely should act under Christ’s authority, we also need to live in a way that honors what He is and was known to be (His reputation).
Colossians 3 shows us that, as saints in Christ:
- Our life’s purpose is no longer our own—it is His (vv. 1–3).
- Our hope is tied to Him (v. 4).
- Our old life is put to death (vv. 5–9),
- And we put on a new life that seeks to imitate Christ (vv. 10–16).
Doing everything “in the name of the Lord” means more than invoking His name—it means living in a way that honors His reputation. That reputation includes His authority (Luke 19:10), His saving power (Acts 4:12), and His sacrificial love for all mankind.
When we live in Christ’s name, we don’t just follow His commands—we carry His identity. Every word, thought, and action should reflect the reputation of the Savior who died for us.
Final Thoughts
Maybe you haven’t been doing everything “in the name of the Lord.”
Now that you know what it means, you can start walking with new life, new purpose, and a new eternal hope—In Jesus’ name.
We would love to help!
