I told my husband just last night that I felt like the luckiest girl in the world. When he asked me why, I told him that as I look back on my life and my accomplishments, I feel I have much to be proud – I have a wonderful husband of 34 years, four amazing and beautiful children, and an adorable grandson. I have a roof over my head, food on the table, and the opportunity to serve the Lord in profound ways. However, as I think about this today, I am somewhat ashamed of myself for wanting to take the credit for my accomplishments. How easy it is to forget that it is not about me.

In Colossians 1:9-23, St. Paul is writing to the Colossian Congregation. He tells them how he is praying for them always and that they are continually filled with the knowledge of God’s will so that they may lead a life bearing fruit for the Lord. But, he reminds them that all things in heaven and earth are created through him. Jesus Christ is the one who holds all things together and holds first place in everything! (vv. 8-10). In all reality, I have nothing to do with my accomplishments. My glory is not my glory – but God’s glory!

St. Paul states, “I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.” Jesus Christ has “reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him” (v.22). It is not about me and it is not about you – but about the One who has given us life.

Fill in the blank with your name: “I, _____, became a servant of this gospel.” How does this begin to change the way that you think of yourself? How might it change the way you live your life today and moving forward? What implications of “becoming a servant of the Gospel” have for you?

Let us pray…Gracious God, help me to remember that it is not about me – but about you who has given me life. Help me to become a servant of the Gospel, giving you the glory for all that you have created. In your name, we pray, Amen.