Continuing our discussion on being chosen…
When you see yourself as chosen, and that God has made the choice for you, the outcome is phenomenally good.
Note Jesus’ promise…
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain…”
You will bring forth fruit! Not fruit that lasts a little while and then vanishes. Not fruit that is taken from you by others. Not fruit that comes up short and begs for more, but fruit that is permanent, that is glorious, that remains for you to build on to produce even more fruit in days to come.
People often mistake what the “fruit of God” is and seek it in all the wrong places. For instance, they may see “fruit” as more money, more stocks, more electronic gadgets, more clothes and stuff, and on and on. These things are not the kind of gain Jesus was talking about. They are temporary and not the source of genuine happiness and well being.
The kind of fruit Jesus was talking about is spiritual. It’s wisdom, intelligence, patience, love, generosity, unselfishness, spiritual mindedness, trust, faith, devotion, and healing power that Christ promises us. When you build your life on a spiritual foundation, you find yourself in an increasingly better position all the way around as time progresses and heaven feels closer—a better spiritual position!
The fruits of spiritual growth will never be taken from you. They will remain in your life and continue to spawn even more blessings. They will not be foreclosed on or confiscated in bankruptcy court. They will keep you out of burdensome debt. They will provide you a peaceful place to live. They will build happy relationships. They will keep you healthy and strong. They will make you productive. They give meaning and purpose to life. They give you the best life has to offer.
The chosen bear fruit. Their efforts are not in vain. They succeed and progress.
Yes, there will be trials, delays, setbacks and challenges, but the greater power of Good will overcome those troubles for the chosen and take them to an ever better place each time.
You have been chosen to experience God’s blessings! Do you see yourself this way? Do you see yourself as a “chosen one?” If not, now is a good time to get your divinely appointed purpose figured out so you can start experiencing its gifts.
Jesus said to his followers, “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you.” That is way cool. Christ has chosen you to do a good work, to bear fruit, to accomplish something significant with your life that has lasting glory.
And as Jesus went on to say, the chosen are bestowed an extra special blessing as well, “…whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” God will give you whatever you ask.
“Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.” John 15:15,16
wow thanks Evan, those are very, very helpful thoughts. They assure me that God’s children don’t just happen to be, but are blessed with the responsibility to serve a higher goal. I guess that’s the one purpose that people long for and what deeply satisfies them.
Someone once said that the definition of “responsibility” is: “responding to God’s ability”. I’ve found “You Are Chosen : Parts 1-4” extremely helpful with the “responding” I try to do daily. It’s given me a new focus which is very freeing. My sincere thanks, Evan.
Hey Evan,
I don’t know if you check back to older posts once you’ve moved on to new ideas, but just in case, I have a couple more things to share regarding this “You are chosen” series… First just want to say that I love the idea that everyone is “chosen.” It helps me understand in a deep way that I am good and useful and important and able to make a contribution in the world because God made me to do that, not because I have (or don’t) some individual worthiness apart from Him. But, I recently came across that parable of Jesus’ in which he says “Many are called but few are chosen”(in Matt 22), and I’m wondering how that idea fits into your thinking on this (if it does at all). Anyway, thanks for all your great perspectives!
To above,
In the context you speak, I interpret those words as “Many are called…” but few listen and respond.
Ah, I see. Thanks!