Monday, September 18, 2006
Colossians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God . . .
NEVER FORGETTING WHO WE ARE
When we address a letter, most often we start with the words "Dear so-and-so." That has become the accepted format to use. I remember being taught in grade school some 30+ years ago that every letter was to begin in that way, whether personal or business, no matter whether you knew the recipient personally or not.
The practice at Paul's time was to begin a letter the way we end it -- with the writer identifying himself. But with Paul, I believe that the greeting was not one merely of "proper form." When he identified himself as an "apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God," he was showing that he never forgot just how it was that he came to be who and what he was. The whole idea that he was serving his Savior as an apostle never ceased to fill him with amazement and humble adoration. He never forgot how merciful God had been in calling him into service there on the road to Damascus. His life was to be one of dedication to serving the Lord by going far and wide, proclaiming the Gospel of the forgiveness of sins in Jesus.
And that is exactly what he did. His service to the Lord took him on several journeys around the Mediterranean world, finally ending him in a Roman prison, from which he wrote this letter to the Colossians.
Do you remember who you are? The miracle that God worked in Paul's life, in turning him from an enemy of God to being a believer, is the same as that which has been worked in your heart by the Gospel. You too were once at enmity with God, but now have been brought near to Him through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
So whether it may be in something as simple as letter writing, or in our family life, or at work, or wherever it may be, let us follow Paul's example of keeping in mind just who we are. And then, as it was with Paul, let serving Him in whatever capacity be a top priority in your life!
