Chosen

Being chosen by God comes with both profound blessings and significant challenges. The Bible portrays the life of the chosen as one that is marked by purpose, service, and sometimes suffering. 

While the chosen may face trials in this world, they are also sustained by God’s grace and receive the promise of eternal life.

A Life of Blessing and Purpose

In Ephesians 1:3-4, Paul writes,“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world.”
The chosen are blessed with spiritual riches and have been set apart for God’s purposes since before the world began. This means that their lives are not random or meaningless; they are filled with divine purpose, with every event and moment playing a role in God’s greater plan. This blessing is not just material but deeply spiritual, enabling believers to live a life in communion with God.

A Life of Service and Sacrifice

The chosen are called to live lives of service and sacrifice. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers,“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
Being chosen involves offering one’s life to God in total surrender. This doesn’t mean merely performing religious duties but living in a way that every action, thought, and decision is an act of worship. The life of the chosen is characterized by service to others, reflecting Christ’s love and selflessness.

A Life of Trials and Perseverance

While the chosen are blessed, they are not exempt from hardship. In 2 Timothy 3:12, Paul warns,“Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.”
The life of the chosen often includes trials, persecution, and rejection from the world. This happens because their values and purpose differ from the world’s systems. However, these trials serve to strengthen their faith and reliance on God. The difficulties they face are not pointless but part of their spiritual growth and preparation for eternal life.

A Life of Peace in the Midst of Trouble

Jesus Himself promised His followers that they would face challenges but also assured them of His peace. In John 16:33, He said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”
Though the chosen face tribulation, they are also given a peace that surpasses worldly understanding. This peace comes from knowing that Christ has already conquered the world and that their ultimate victory is secured in Him. The chosen live in the tension between present struggles and future glory, but through it all, they have access to Christ’s peace.

A Life of Eternal Hope

The chosen live with a constant awareness that their ultimate citizenship is not of this world. In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul writes, “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body.”
The chosen live with an eternal perspective, knowing that their time on earth is temporary. Their hope is not in earthly success or comfort but in the future transformation and eternal life promised through Christ. This heavenly mindset gives them the strength to endure hardship and remain faithful.

The life of the chosen is marked by both joy and challenge. While they may face rejection and hardship, they are sustained by God’s grace, filled with spiritual blessings, and have the peace of Christ in their hearts. 

Their lives are purposeful, dedicated to serving God and others, and filled with the hope of eternal life. Though this world may bring trials, the chosen are continually reminded that their true home is in heaven, where they will dwell with Christ forever.

This life of the chosen is not easy, but it is deeply meaningful, guided by God’s love, and ultimately leads to eternal glory.