There was always one person every year at my school, that seemed to have a summer transformation. Often their new identity wasn't just looks, it came with a new personality too. Have you ever had a makeover?
My first makeover happened during the summer of year 8. My friends an I were board, so we decided to dye our hair with lemon juice (just don't do it!), put on blue eye shadow and coat our lips in the 90's classic: banana flavoured lipbalm!
Salvation and starting new life in Jesus, thankfully, is so much more than a 90's makeover!
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.
Colossians 1:1-2
Lets just focus in on that one word 'saints'. One small word, yet totally full of goodness for us. Paul addresses the church primarily by one word, their new identity - "saints". He could have said "hey collosi's" or "mate" or even "To whom it may concern" but he confirms their identity: Saints & Faithful brothers.
We too are new creation - not just a makeover but a complete transformation. At salvation we have been transferred into God's Kingdom! No longer seen as sinners by him, but New Creation Saints
Paul ends his greeting with "Grace & Peace". This new identity we are in comes with an all inclusive package:
Grace - God's undeserved favour to us, which when we receive it give us
Peace - with God and in our lives
Grace and Peace are given to us for free! More than that, we can, like Paul, extend God's Grace and Peace to others.
Do you struggle with knowing that you are a saint and not a sinner? Take time to remind yourself these gospel truths as you listen to this song:
Who could you extend grace and peace to today?