More Than a Label

“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” — Galatians 3:26–28 (NIV)

It comes as no surprise to any of us that the world divides. It sorts and labels, elevates and excludes. We see it in politics, in economics, in race and gender, in the subtle hierarchies of everyday life. Even within the Church, the temptation to define ourselves by tribe or tradition can eclipse the deeper truth: we are one in Christ.

But this unity is not cosmetic. Verse 26 reminds us that we are children of God through faith—not through affiliation, not through inherited identity, but through a living relationship with Christ. Verse 27 deepens this: we have put on Christ. We are not merely wearing a badge; we are being transformed.

To be “Christian” is not to wave a flag. History bears witness to the tragedy of mistaking the label for the Lord. 

The Crusades, launched under the banner of Christianity, became a campaign of violence and conquest—killing Muslims, Jews, and even fellow Christians. The name of Christ was used to justify bloodshed, not to embody love. It was a moment when the Church forgot that to follow Jesus is to become like Him.

Christ’s exhortations are clear:

• “Blessed are the peacemakers…” (Matthew 5:9)

• “Love your enemies…” (Matthew 5:44)

• “Do unto others…” (Matthew 7:12)

• “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35)

The early Church didn’t just proclaim Christ—it sought to embody Him. Paul writes, “Let your gentleness be evident to all” (Philippians 4:5), echoing the spirit of Jesus’ call to peace and compassion.

These are not optional extras. They are the fabric of the garment we are called to wear. When our differences—ethnic, political, social, gendered—draw us together rather than drive us apart, we bear witness to Christ’s reconciling power. We become a living mosaic of grace—stitched together not by uniformity, but by love.

As we go out into the world today, may the living Word of God be more than memory—may it be movement. 

Let the Spirit guide our steps, shape our speech, and soften our hearts. May we reflect on where our identity in Christ challenges the labels we wear. May we speak peace into divided spaces. 

And may we ask, with humility: Am I wearing Christ, or just naming Him? Let us listen closely to the Holy Spirit, who whispers peace, prompts compassion, and leads us into the likeness of Christ.

Dearest Lord Jesus, resolver of differences, strip away the labels that divide. Clothe us in your compassion, your gentleness, your peace. May our unity be more than words—may it be transformation. Let us worship not the name of Christian, but the Christ who makes us one. Amen.

One in Christ,

Pastor Tim