Take Advantage of Your Qualification in Christ

Daily Devotional: Day 236

“Giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light” (Colossians 1:12, NKJV).

If you have ever applied for a job or recruited people for a job, you are familiar with ‘qualifications.’ In nearly all human endeavors, qualifications play a vital role. Your qualifications tell people if you are fit for a particular task or if you deserve some benefits. In short, your qualifications can give you access to opportunities.

Today’s passage from Paul’s Letter to the Colossians contains a vital truth for all children of God. In it, Paul urges the saints in Colossae to give thanks to the Father. Reason for the thanksgiving: the Father “has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.”

Did you catch that? The saints in light, i.e. God’s children (see 1 Thessalonians 5:5) have a common inheritance in Christ (see 1 Peter 1:3-5). When the Bible says that God has qualified you to be a partaker of the inheritance of the saints, here are some implications. First, it implies that you belong to the fellowship of the saints. You are a saint. Be convinced of that.

Make not the mistake of holding on to two diametrically opposed identities: sinner and saint. You are either one or the other. Sinners have no share in God’s inheritance. Today’s Bible passage, as you can see, is addressed to saints only. Notice that Paul doesn’t say, “inheritance of the sinners;” rather, he says, “inheritance of the saints in light.” The good news is, God counted you among His saints when He saved you. Believe, therefore, that you are a saint; think like a saint, and behave like a saint.

If, however, you are truly convinced that you are a sinner, don’t give up. There is hope for you. Repent, forsake your sins and turn to Christ. He will save you (see Proverbs 28:13; Matthew 1:21; Luke chapter 15).

The next implication of Paul’s message is the following:

In virtue of what the Father has done for you, you are capable of soaring. You are capable of rising above anything which hinders your walk with God. You are capable of shining. You are capable of living free from the dominion of sin (see Romans 6:14). You are capable of a life that glorifies God. God has made you fit for a higher life. He has made you fit for a life of excellence. As a new creature in Christ, you are capable of positively influencing the world around you. God has chosen you, wired you and equipped you to be a living expression of His glory. If you believe this, you should be leaping for joy right now.

In sum, you have been named in the inheritance reserved for God’s saints. Who named you? The Father did. Take advantage of your qualification in Christ and be transformed.

Stay blessed, in Jesus Name. Amen.

For further study: Colossians 1:1-29