What separates us as human beings? What makes us different? Is it race or nationality? Is it our social standing or the content of our wallets? Is it our cultural background or the religion we were raised in? For the World, all of these things are true, but for Jesus’ followers, we have one identity which we share.

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on the things that are above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
Therefore, treat the parts of your earthly body as dead to sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, rid yourselves of all of them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you stripped off the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self, which is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created it— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, and free, but Christ is all, and in all.

Colossians 3:1-11

Having once been one of those people, having once walked among them and seen how they divide and destroy one another, we know the pain that kind of thinking can bring. We set our minds on higher things, no longer looking at the earthly details that kept us apart.

Christ is all, and in all.

Be renewed into the image of the creator. Shed all labels but one. Put on the new self.

Ethan Kirl

Originally Posted January 20, 2021