Defined by Labels

“In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us!” (Colossians 3:11 TPT)

Labels make it easy to sort people into categories: young, old, Black, White, Native, foreigner, religious, secular, Christian, Muslim, conservative, liberal, Republican, Democrat, urban, rural, male, female, married, single, lazy, productive, strong, weak, educated, uneducated, rich, poor, worthy, unworthy--the list is never-ending. We define ourselves and others based on a worldly value system. This identity, shaped by external elements and opinions, is deformed. 

When we allow others to define us, we give them power over us. 

Our lives were once deformed by things and feelings.

Now, we know better. 

Now, we are aware that we are formed from the inside. External circumstances and labels are just stickers that have nothing to do with our true identity. Our nationality, ethnicity, education, economic status--they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as He lives in every one of us! Let us submit to His power over us and not hand it over unthinkingly to the world. We are defined by Christ--nothing less!

One Team

“In this new creation life, your nationality makes no difference, or your ethnicity, education, or economic status—they matter nothing. For it is Christ that means everything as he lives in every one of us!” (Colossians 3:11 TPT)

Before he became a pastor, Jake Each was a football player. In a sermon about diversity and connection, Pastor Jake mentioned that he has experienced more unity on football teams than in other areas of his life. Sports teams have a shared identity, mission, and purpose, even though there are a variety of roles and skill sets. Differences in race, nationality, political leanings, religion, socioeconomic status, etc., are pushed aside so that everyone can focus on the success of the team. 

The Bible teaches us that everyone is defined by Christ and included in Christ. As such, we are part of a team with a shared identity, mission, and purpose. Skin color, citizenship, gender, political leanings, religious affiliation, education, economic status--none of these things matter. The same God who created you, created me. We may have different backgrounds, skills, and roles to play, but we are all on one team. We are called to encourage and support each other, to bring out the goodness in one another. For it is Christ that means everything as HE lives in every one of us!