Our Identity: Chosen, Holy and Beloved (Colossians 3:12)

CFG

From:	CFG
Subject:	Our Identity: Chosen, Holy and Beloved (Colossians 3:12)
Date:	Wed, 19 Jan 2005 14:21:10 GMT

Our Identity: Chosen, Holy and Beloved (Colossians 3:12)
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One of the biggest problems facing our affluent society is on of
identity. Much of this is self-inflicted. But many of us battle with
issues of low self-esteem. Many of us search for purpose and meaning
in our jobs, our families, or our hobbies, or even in our ministries.
The point of all this is to say we're not identified by any of those
things. If you're a follower of Christ, you're a son or daughter
of God; adopted into his family paid for by the precious blood of
Christ. God defines our identity, and in this passage God says we're
chosen, holy and blessed.

Chosen speaks to the fact that God deliberately singled you out to be a
part of his family. You weren't an accident, or an afterthought.
God deliberately chose to set his love on you and call you out of the
world and into his kingdom. Secondly, we're not only chosen, but
also holy. We are sacred and set apart for the purposes of God.
We're not holy because of anything we've done, but because God set
us apart and sanctified us. Thirdly, we're beloved. Let that
thought wash over you for a moment-we are the beloved of God. This
is the very same God who called the very universe into existence by the
word of his mouth! The Apostle John said it well, "See what kind of
love the Father has given to us that we should be called children of
God." So despite what you think, despite how you feel, despite what
others say about you, you're a child of God-chosen, holy and
beloved.

Be Blessed,
CFG