Grammatically these are considered adjectives, they describe a person. But that’s just the point, they label us and whether or not we like it, they have a great deal of influence in how we understand ourselves. Labels can be more than descriptive, the can be shaping. A person who has been labeled good-for-nothing all their lives will very likely live up to their label. Even if they don’t live the label, it can determine how people perceive and treat them. We really should not underestimate the power of labels. It is important to recognize the power of labels in our lives.

This is why we may we are caught off-guard when we begin reading Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. He begins his letter, Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi together with the overseers and deacons. (Philippians 1:1) In this short greeting volumes are spoken in the labels that are used. We dare not quickly pass by them for they reveal a great deal about how we are to understand ourselves in Christ Jesus and as His people. There are two significant labels used here – servant and saints.

We who are in Christ willing accept the status of a servant. In Christ we loving place ourselves in the position and posture of a servant, of a slave. Like the returning prodigal we plead, “Make me as one of your servants.” (Luke 15:19) God forgivingly, graciously, makes us His child, but we continue to lovingly choose to be His slave and take on the label – a servant of Christ Jesus. This label defines our disposition, our posture, and our place. It is following the example of Jesus “Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing taking the very nature of a servant being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross!” (Philippians 2:5-8)

This label is a great equalizer. Is not Paul’s statement here astounding; “Paul and Timothy servants of Christ Jesus?” Paul the teacher, Timothy the student; Paul the mentor, Timothy the mentee; Paul the apostle, Timothy the young pastor; Paul the leader, Timothy the follower; yet here both share the same label, the same place and position – they are servants. They are of equal status and on level ground. Granted, within servanthood there are specific responsibilities – apostles, pastors, overseers, deacons – but these are not positions of hierarchal status or of special privilege in the Body of Christ. No, all are servants and each has specific responsibilities, a particular function in order to ensure the body functions properly. As fellow-servants we submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Ephesians 5:21) and love. But we must remember our “label” – we are servants.

There is another label here; saint. We may not be as comfortable with this label; nevertheless it is an important one. Saint describes our character. It is not a label we take lightly for we understand that it is not by anything were have done or achieved. Rather it is by grace alone. But we servants of Christ Jesus must remember that we are saints in Christ Jesus. We are God’s holy ones, cleansed from sin and set a part exclusively for His use. Only as His saints can we be His servants. Only He can cleanse and fill us with His Spirit enabling us to be free from self so that we willing take on servant-status. No self-centered, ego-centric, self-ruling person would every willing assume servant-status. No, there is divine cleansing necessary and as cleansed people we are saints in Christ Jesus. As saints we serve obediently, even as Christ did, and thus live holy lives to the glory of God and the fulfillment of His will.

Yes beloved, as God’s people (another label) we are saints and servants. Let’s in Christ be what our labels indicate.

Keep Close to Jesus
Pastor Gerry