Theme of the Week: Who You Are – Characteristics of our Identity in Christ
Bible Verse: For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. Ephesians 1:4
Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:3-11
Ennie Minnie might be one of the greatest games for children’s self-esteem. Perhaps it doesn’t actually improve self-esteem, but at the very least, it doesn’t damage it. Even the youngest of children seem to grasp that being “it” is pure chance.
Compare that to some of the other ways children’s games choose: playground captains picking teams, Red Rover calling individual people by name, any variety of games where kids choose who’s in and who’s out. Sometimes, ability makes the choice simple, sometimes friendships, but kids implicitly learn that chosen is good. Not chosen . . . well, that always feels like it says something too.
It can take a lot of growth to get past seeing life as a popularity contest. Hopefully we all grow out of that view of life. But we all probably slip back into that point of view from time to time. Chosen feels good, validating. Someone values us. Whether it’s a significant other who agrees to date or marry us or being chosen to work with a particular group at work. Being chosen, included, feels good.
So how incredible is it that we have been chosen by God? The creator of the universe, who holds all things together, whose mind is occupied by the grandeur and functioning of the cosmos, thought of you and me and said, “Yes, I want him.” Red Rover, Red Rover, let J.R. (or Bill or Jeff or . . . fill in your name) come on over.
Of course hearing our name called to join in the fun always feels good. But does that feeling of acceptance and validation occur when we think of ourselves as chosen by God? Do we see the reality that God choosing us means that He wants us? It truly is an incredible fact. Consider that God called our name from His throne in heaven! It echoed through time until it reached our ears in the short moments of our lives.
God chose us. He wants us; He picked us for His team. That should be something that makes us feel good every time we think about it.
Prayer: God, thank you for choosing me. Help me to know and feel wanted by you, and in response to live my life for your glory.
Reflect: What feelings arise knowing God chose you? Do you think of yourself as chosen, called out to belong to God?
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