DAY 19 - UNITED
- Pastor Dick Warner
- Aug 29
- 2 min read
Updated: Oct 6
DAY 19 - United by Pastor Dick
A renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.—Colossians 3:11 (NASB)
A New Identity in Christ
So far in Colossians, Paul has told us who Christ is and what that means for us. If we’ve received Christ, then His death and resurrection are ours too.
That means our old life is gone. We are made new. Our very identity is now found in Christ.
Being “in Him” means our lives belong to Him. We are hidden in Him. Our eternity is secure in Him. We are fully renewed by Him. Let that sink in!
Putting On the New Self
Since this is true, Paul urges us to put on the new self.
The new self refuses sin. The new self throws off anger, greed, and destructive words. The new self is shaped by Christ’s character — the fruit of the Spirit.
This identity is not just personal — it is also shared. It binds us together as one body, the body of Christ.
No More Divisions
Paul makes it crystal clear: there is no room for division in Christ’s body.
No dividing lines by race or culture.
No superiority based on class, wealth, or politics.
No pride in background, status, or education.
Paul says plainly: Christ is all, and in all.
This means that in the church, every believer matters equally and deserves equal concern. We each bring unique gifts, but all gifts come from the same Lord.
The Call to Unity
Division has always been dangerous. Jesus Himself said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand” (Mark 3:25).
The world may divide. Society may separate people into groups. But in Christ, we are called to love and honor one another. We show we are His disciples not by our knowledge or position — but by our love for each other (John 13:35).
Living This Out
So what does this really mean? It means:
We don’t look down on anyone made in the image of Christ.
We don’t let race, politics, or social class define our love.
We learn from one another, honor one another, and care for one another.
The church is diverse by design. That was God’s plan from the beginning. And this diversity, when united in Christ, displays His glory to the world.
Reflection Questions
What does Paul mean when he says to “put on the new self”?
If God is love and Christ is love, and we are “in Him,” how should that shape the way we love the body of Christ?
If there is someone — or a group — you struggle to love or accept, ask the Lord to renew your perspective. Pray for His Spirit to help you love more deeply and genuinely because you can't but He can.
Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You that in You there are no divisions, no outsiders, no second-class citizens. May I see others as You see them — as beloved, chosen, and valued. Enable me to love Your people with sincerity, unity, and grace, so the world will see You in us. Amen.
New Hope Church of God
1250 Waggoners Gap Rd
Carlisle, Pa
(717) 241-5544
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