Identity

Identity

Colossians 1:1-2

As the Apostle Paul opens his letter to the church at Colossae, there are a lot of titles used.  We probably pay little attention to the opening of Paul’s letters because they all seem pretty much the same.  But consider the identities that he uses to describe everyone involved:

Apostle
Brother
Saints
Faithful Brethren
Father

These are all important distinctions!  It is “Christian speak” that identifies the roles people play in God’s Kingdom.  Some are considered official titles while others are descriptors, but they all describe the identity of the persons involved.  While the word “Apostle” seems like a superior title above the other humans he is addressing, the word literally translates into “sent one.”  Adapted from the Greek terminology used by Alexander the Great, the Christians began using this also as those who have been sent out by Christ to fulfill His mission.  While in that time the 12 disciples plus Paul were considered official Apostles of Christ, it is important to know that we are all called to be sent out.  This is known as the “apostolic calling.”  I highlight this to note that while the original apostles were specifically sent ones, Matthew 28:18-20, which all of us followers of Christ identify as the Great Commission for all of us, also qualifies us as apostles.  We are sent out to share God’s good news with others.  Despite all of Paul’s qualifications, extravagant encounter with Christ, and experience as a Christ follower, he would even tell us that he is no better than you or me.  Think about that for a moment: you too are like Paul.

The next three terms are important for us to also consider.  Given the masculine influence in the culture and language at the time, the male term “brother” or “brethren” was always used to address brothers and sisters, male and female.  This still exists in multiple languages today.  In Spanish, the foreign language I am most familiar with, a group of women is referred to as sisters.  However, adding just one male to the group changes the group’s linguistic connotation to “brothers.”  So ladies, don’t think you are disqualified!  

The term “saint” has been distorted through various religions, but Paul in many of his letters makes it clear that this term refers to living, breathing, followers of Christ.  Yes, you are a saint.  You are a holy one, set apart for the works of the Lord.  This is also loosely related to the term apostle.  In the Old Testament, Israel was referred to as the children of God, a holy people set apart from the world to represent God’s Kingdom.  Through Christ, we too are now made holy.  Granted, we might not always act holy and set apart, but that is part of the Christian struggle.  

To put all of this together, as a follower of Christ saved by His blood and reunited with God the Father, you are set apart and sent out to tell others that they too can be a part of the family!

So, how then do you identify with these terms?  Do you struggle to see yourself as a saint, apostle, brother, or sister?  If so, why?

The human conundrum that we all face is a struggle with our identity.  We want to matter in this world.  We want to be seen, heard, respected, and have value.  The beauty of it is that we already have all those things as God’s children!  The enemy seeks to steal, kill, and destroy our identity because he lost his when he tried to exchange it for God’s identity.  It’s a constant battle to convince us that we don’t belong, that we are not important, that our Father has turned His back on us for one reason or another.  But, that is not true.  You are His!