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A PEOPLE CHANGED (COLOSSIANS 1:9-14)

REFLECTION

“A people changed” is the theme for our reflection. A people refers to the members of a particular nation, community, or ethnic group. Change means to convert or transform from one state to the other. “A people changed” means members of a particular community or entity have experienced transformation. In other words, “a people changed” means a specific group living a transformed life. By way of introduction to Paul’s letter to the Colossians, it is important to note that Paul specifically wrote the epistle or letter of Colossians to counter fake teachings or heresy that denied the divinity of Christ which was being taught in the church of Colossae. We shall reflect on the fact that without Christ we can not experience a change or transformation in our lives that is pleasing to God.

Beloved in the Lord, we are a changed people or a people living a transformed life because we have been saved by grace through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. It is for this reason Paul wrote in his letter to the Colossian Christians, “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” (Colossians 1:13-14) In other words, we can not live a life that is pleasing to God unless Jesus, the son of God lives in us. It is for this purpose God said during the baptism of Jesus Christ “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3:22). Friends, it is not enough to declare that we a changed people because we attend church service regularly. Again, It is not enough to declare that we changed people because we were born into Christian homes, have Christian names and have tried to live morally upright lives. Dear friend in Christ, our transformation or change as children of God must be born out of our faith in Christ as our Lord and Saviour in whom “…we live and move and have our being.” according to  (Acts 17:28)” It means Christ must influence every decision we make individuals and as a Church. People who see our actions and hear of us even without knowing us previously must conclude that we indeed transformed and this change is the perfect reflection of the image and examples of our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul’s conversion is an example of living a transformed life, “At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21 All those who heard him were astonished and asked, “Isn’t he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?” 22 Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Messiah.” (Acts 9:20-22)

Again, living a transformed life is a journey of consistency. There is no expiry date or a period of rest when have experienced transformation through the Gospel. In other words, being a disciple of Christ is a life of consistency. Christ must reign in our lives until we inherit the Kingdom of God. It is for this reason Paul prayed for the Colossian Church when he wrote “For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.” (Colossians 1:9-12) Dear friends, we need to sustain our transformation and salvation by continually relying on the Holy Spirit through prayers. We must pray for ourselves and the Church always to consistently live the transformed life by doing the will of God at all times even if it will be to our detriment. We are to be guided by admonishment when He said “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21). Doing the will of God as a people who have experienced change must be consistent because according to Matthew 24:13, “… the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” We are further emboldened to consistently live the transformed life when John wrote, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor’s crown.” (Revelation 2:10).

In summary, we have discovered that without Christ we can not experience change or transformation in our lives that is pleasing to God. Let us continue to remain faithful servants and disciples of our Lord Jesus Christ even as we live according to the will of God.

PRAYER

May the Holy Spirit consistently strengthen us to live the transformed life through our Lord Jesus Christ until our departure into eternal life. Amen.