What does it mean that we do all things in word or deed unto the Lord?
Doing all things in word or deed unto the Lord means every word and action is directed to Him, since believers live and move in Him. It is not accomplished by human ability or merit but rests entirely on God's grace and mercy poured out through Christ.
Les explains that Colossians asks, "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do what? Do it unto Him." That is where we live and move. He stresses there is nothing in us that can merit any favor with God; it is all of His grace. Grace could never have happened without mercy, but we no longer have to cry for mercy because God poured out His mercy on Christ on the cross. Now since His mercy has been poured out, He gives grace—unmerited favor, which we don't deserve. This connects to being more than conquerors: not of what we have or through any ability of our own, but Christ Jesus makes us conquerors, and He becomes everything. So doing all unto the Lord means living in that reality, acknowledging His grace and mercy rather than our own merit.
And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
More Questions
What does Colossians say about everything we do in word or deed?
Whatever we do in word or deed should be done unto Christ, and this is where believers live and move.