This week’s devotions are based on “Rooted: Finding My Identity in Christ: I am chosen! (WATCH HERE)
Scripture: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12
There is an old saying that reminds us to “dress for the job you want.” The idea is simple. The way we see ourselves often influences the way we live. A police officer puts on a uniform and remembers the responsibility that comes with it. A doctor puts on a white coat and prepares to care for patients. A bride or groom puts on wedding clothes because a new chapter of life has begun.
The apostle Paul invites Christians to think about life in a similar way, but instead of putting on a uniform, he tells us to “clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Notice, however, that Paul does not begin with the clothing. He begins with identity.
“You are God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved.”
The order matters.
The world says, “Live this way so you can become someone.” The Gospel says, “God has already made you someone in Christ, so now live like the person He has declared you to be.”
That is how the Christian life always works. We do not forgive others so that God will forgive us. We forgive because we have already been forgiven. We do not love our neighbor so that God will love us. We love because God first loved us. We do not strive to become God’s children. We live as His children because, through faith in Christ, that is exactly who we are.
Imagine a young prince who has spent his childhood away from the palace. One day he learns the truth about his identity. He does not become a prince by acting like one. He acts like a prince because he already is one. His actions begin to reflect the identity that has always been his.
So it is with every believer in Christ.
You have been chosen by the Father before the foundation of the world. You have been redeemed by the Son through His precious blood. You have been sealed by the Holy Spirit for the day of redemption. That identity is not something you achieve. It is God’s gracious gift.
Now you are free to live differently.
When someone is impatient with you, remember that you are God’s chosen child and respond with gentleness. When you have an opportunity to serve someone in need, do so with joy because your worth is not diminished by giving yourself away. When you are tempted to compare yourself to others or seek their approval, remember that you already possess the approval that matters most. Your heavenly Father has declared you to be His own.
As this week comes to an end, return one more time to the mirror. Before you notice your appearance or think about everything that needs to be done, remember what God says about you.
“I am chosen.”
That is not wishful thinking. It is not positive self-talk. It is the unchanging truth of God’s Word. Live today as the person God has declared you to be in Christ.
Reflect: Which Christ-like quality from Colossians 3:12 do you most want God to grow in your life? How can remembering “I am chosen” change the way you treat others today?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for choosing me, forgiving me, and making me Your own through Jesus Christ. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that my life reflects the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience You have shown to me. Help me to live each day, not trying to earn my identity, but joyfully reflecting the identity You have already given me in Christ. In His name I pray. Amen.