CHOSEN FOR A PURPOSE

 

To be chosen is to be selected as the best or most appropriate. ‘Being chosen’ almost always conveys the idea that some were better qualified than others.

This definition doesn’t fit the Christian’s definition at all, because when God chose us, he did not compare us to anyone else. He did not think we were better than others or the best of the lot. In fact, had He made comparisons, the thief on the cross would not have had a chance; he was a murderer. I wouldn’t have had a chance, and you wouldn’t have either. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard” (Romans 3:23 NLT). 

How about the apostle, Paul (AKA Saul): didn’t he persecute the Church terribly? What did he say later about himself?  “I persecuted the followers of the Way [Christianity] hounding some to death, arresting both men and women and throwing them in prison…” (Acts 22: 4 NLT). Later on, as an apostle, he said, “For I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I am not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s Church” (1 Cor 15:9 NLT). Therefore, to be chosen by God is by grace alone: not by being better, the most deserving, or the most qualified individual.   

As Christians, God chose us; we did not choose Him (see John 15: 16). He chose us not because of any good thing we have done but because of His love and mercy.  In fact, He chose us while we were still sinners, going our own way and doing our own thing, with no regard for Him at all (see Romans 5:8). He chose us out of the world (see John 15:19), and Peter reminds us, “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession” (1 Peter 2:9 NLT). And for that reason, we need to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His marvelous light.

God chose us for a reason. We have a mandate, a purpose to fulfill. Once, Jesus told His friends, “I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. This is my command: Love each other” (John 15:16-17). Paul the apostle tells us in Ephesians 1:4 that God chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. How do we get to be holy and blameless? By living godly lives, walking as He walked: that is, in His footsteps (see 2 Peter 3:11). Also, in Ephesians 1:12, Paul sums up the purpose of our being chosen--bringing praise and glory to God. 

Jesus, in the Sermon on the Mount, instructed His followers to “Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father” (Matthew 5:14 NLT). The psalmist beautifully expresses what he’s going to do: “I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises” (Psalm 34:1 NLT). How well am I doing, and how well are you doing? Are we fulfilling our call to bring glory and honor to His name?  What kind of fruit are we bearing? “The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!” (Galatians 5:22-23 NLT) For our fruit to last, the bearing has to be ongoing, because when we stop bearing fruit, we lose what we already have.

Let’s admit that, sometimes, the fruit we bear is disgraceful. Instead of bringing honor and glory to God, it brings shame and dishonor to Him. His name is blasphemed among unbelievers because of the way we behave; we profess one thing and do just the opposite. It will help us to understand that there is an opposing power at war within us, that wars with our mind and fights to make us slaves to the sin that is already within us. The solution the Bible offers is this: “Put on all of God’s armor so you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:11). And may we cry out in frustration like Paul: “Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death?” (Romans 7:24). Thank God we have the answer—our victory is in Jesus Christ! Let’s lean on Him, moment by moment.

This is my prayer for us:  Lord, please help us live in a way that makes knowing you attractive to the world and each other. May we fulfill the purpose for which you chose us before the foundation of the world.  Thank you, in Jesus’ name.