Have you ever had to introduce yourself, or perhaps a friend? The natural way of introduction begins with our name, where we are from, if we are married – to whom we are married, and how many children and/or grandchildren we may have. The introduction may go on to include experiences we have had, or perhaps particular accomplishments. Yes, that is a natural introduction and gives, as it should, identifying information.
But have you ever thought of what a “spiritual” introduction would sound like? It is extremely humbling to ponder the way the Word of God refers to believers in Christ. Some such references that come to mind are that we are the children of God, accepted in the beloved, adopted sons, a redeemed people, saints, faithful brethren, the body of Christ, and that He is a Father to us and we shall be His sons and daughters.
Each of those statements should cause our hearts to bow before our Lord and worship. It is with that thought in mind that I would like for us together to consider another phrase.
In Colossians 3:12 the Apostle Paul begins an exhortation to believers with these words:
Therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved …
What an amazing statement! What an incredibly humbling “introduction”! If we are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Scriptures call us chosen of God. What a truth to ponder! God Almighty, Creator and Sustainer of all things, reached down and chose us. Not because of one single quality or goodness in us, but by His Sovereignty, His Great Mercy, and His Great Love, He chose us. He chose me, and He chose you!
Chosen of God … chosen of God … chosen of God. We could stop and ponder that truth for the rest of our lives on this earth. God chose me … for Himself! How utterly humbling!
But the phrase doesn’t stop there. It calls us holy. Now, if we are true believers, we fully understand our unworthiness, yet, God calls us holy.
What does the word holy truly mean?
Holy: Separated, consecrated; set apart unto God to be used for His purposes
God Himself says that we have been chosen by Him to be used for Him! What awe that should inspire within us! God Himself chose us, in spite of who we were, saved us and set us apart to Himself. He treats us as His special treasure. He desires to use our lives for His specific purposes.
And then, He calls us beloved!
Beloved: Dearly loved; loved with an active and abiding love
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
God calls us His beloved. He has such a deep, abiding, incomprehensible love for us that it caused the Apostle Paul to cry out in Ephesians 3:17-19:
… that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
Words seem so inadequate to describe what God calls you and me …
chosen of God … holy … beloved
Such truth to ponder!
After thinking deeply upon those truths, let us return to the phrase with which we began:
Therefore, as the elect (chosen) of God, holy and beloved …
The phrase begins with the word therefore.
The word therefore indicates the idea of:
Based on this; or because of these truths
Scripture will say … therefore (because of these truths) … and an action or instruction will follow. Therefore sums up the reason the action should be taken.
It as though the Scripture is saying because you are chosen of God, holy and beloved behave in this manner. Because of who you are!
Because of who we are in Christ, every attitude of heart, every thought, every word, and every deed should should reflect Him! Because we are chosen by Him, because we are holy, set apart unto Him, because we are beloved by Him, we should live in the light of those truths!
Because of who we are… Because of who we are! … Because we are His!
In the next few days we will expand this verse, as we only examined the introductory phrase, but for now I would like to return to my original question. Have you ever been asked to introduce yourself or a friend? If you are a true believer in Christ, I would like to submit my heartfelt “introduction” of you.
I would like for you to meet my friend. She is chosen of God. Her heart and life are holy, set apart unto her God, and she is dearly beloved by her God. Her life will be a blessing to you!
Wisdom and Kindness 
I have a confession.
Each time I read the truths God has laid on your heart, I have been filled with the desire to walk according to His Word. I have also wanted to share how much God has used you to encourage me, but I have failed to do so.
After you close Genesis, and move to the writing of “First things first”, I pondered upon all that was said, and could not help thinking how many pitfalls I could have avoided if I had simply made God’s instructions my priority first. I was left with a deep desire to share how God was working this through in my heart. But, I did not.
Today’s writing was such an encouragement to me, I could not stop thanking God for your service to me. Then this question came to my heart: What was my service to you? How had I encouraged you, God’s servant?
Then I went back to your opening question:
But have you ever thought of what a “spiritual” introduction would sound like?
Then I thought what should a “spiritual encouragement” sound like? I knew immediately what it was not. It was not “I like”.
Hebrews 10:24-25 says: let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
So, I am sorry that I have not responded to your writings, and encourage you in the Lord. I want you to know that you have helped me and encouraged me, and I thank the Lord for you.
May God bless you with many more years of sharing His Word through your writings.
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Thank you for your kind and encouraging words. As I write, it is my prayer that those writings would indeed encourage fellow believers in Christ. I know that it is the Lord that I am to serve, but when I hear that those writings have blessed another, it in turn blesses me and encourages me on.
Sometimes the human side of me can wonder if anyone is reading and if it even matters if I write. But that still, small voice will ask, “Would you do it for one?” And I must humbly answer, “Yes, Lord, I will do it for one.”
I thank the Lord that He has chosen to encourage you through these writings and hopefully others, as well. Thank you for your willingness to share.
In closing may I invite those of you who read the blog, to use this platform to share with others how the Word of God is blessing you. You will be encouraging other sisters in Christ in their walk with the Lord. And if you are uncomfortable with your name being visible on the blog, you can choose an “online name.” You are not required to place your real name out there if that would help you feel free to share. It is really not about us anyway. It is about Him and His people, the body of Christ.
To Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:21
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