You're Chosen - Live Like It!

Many believe they are chosen, but only a few live as they are. Oftentimes, we mistake being “called” for being “chosen”. Remember, “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14). We yearn for the anointing but are not ready for the work that the “chosen” are called to do. We bask in the glory, power, and miracles that result from staying in the secret place more than the process of staying in the presence of God. More than the learning and the transformation. We wish to do exploits and enjoy the results without putting in the effort – without following the instructions for holy living. The calling is the start, and to be chosen requires that you die to flesh.

Let's dive into it. Who were the chosen in the Bible? There are quite a number. But what strikes through all their narratives is the calling unto Consecration. All the anointed ones were given instructions which required them to yield to God's authority. In short, they were submissive to God's word. Chosen vessels like Abraham, Noah, Samuel, and Gideon, among others, all encountered the fullness of God, and it is applaudable that young believers want to be like them. We tap into the hand of God that performed miracles in their lives, yet miss the part of the covenant – the surrendering to God's will.

Being chosen calls for consecration and living for God, not for self. It means you lose your life for the life of Christ. Observing the lives of those God had chosen in the Bible, there was always a phase of surrender, where they let go of their desires and dreams to follow the cross. Being chosen is not free- it is a call to service. Israel was called out among the other nations – of course, that warranted them countless victories and breakthroughs, but that also demanded that they live a different life from others. They had to let go of all they cherished from Egypt: their gods, lavish lifestyle, properties and even food, to be the chosen nation (Leviticus 18:3; Joshua 24:14). We've all read of how this transformation conflicted so much with their former lives such that, they spent 40years in the wilderness instead of 40 days (Numbers 14:34). And after it all, only two men, Caleb and Joshua, among those who began from the beginning made it to the promised land – So much for being Chosen…

Their example should serve as a great lesson to us. When you're called, anointed and chosen by God to fulfil his purpose, your life starts anew (2 Corinthians 5:17). It now becomes “what God wants” over “what I want”. Jesus, in Matthew 16:25, said that “whoever loves his life shall lose it”. This means one who is not willing to forfeit their pleasures and desires to live the God-kind of life, will lose it after death – eternal damnation. And he who gives his life entirely to Christ shall have eternal life.

Paul affirms this when he speaks about his rebirth in Galatians 2:20, saying, “It's no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me”. So, while it may be against Paul's natural desire to roam the world, preaching and teaching, he had to do it because his will no longer mattered; only Christ's did. The former, you must die for Christ to live.

Now, how can you differentiate your desires from God's will? That's where the holy spirit comes in. He was sent to teach us God's will (John 14:26; 16:13). An honest hearkening to the voice of the holy spirit will direct all your decisions, even to trivial things like what to eat, what to wear, where to go, who to befriend and how to live totally. God is interested in all aspects of your life. His aim is for you to be presented blameless and spotless before His throne (Jude 1:24; Philippians 2:15). And once he has chosen you, he has a plan regarding everything that concerns you – education, career, relationships, marriage, etc. Invite God into every aspect of your life and keep an open ear and heart. Trust me, you'll hear his still voice telling you what to do at each point as is promised in Psalms 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go”.

Being chosen calls for a great separation in which, what the world deems acceptable may not be your acceptable (Isaiah 5:20). God knew we would be in a perverse crooked world which challenges his truth– but he still called us unto righteousness, holiness and sanctity (1 Peter 2:9). If you're indeed chosen, God's word should be your standard, not the world, because “the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever” (1 John 2:17).

So, resolve today not to sell your consecration on the altar of popular opinions, fashion trends and modernity. God is jealous of His chosen, and He surely has the strength and wisdom accessible to them who ask for it –Wisdom and strength to shine as lights in this dark world (Ephesians 5:8, Daniel 12:3). He has given you the power to remain chosen till he comes (John 1:12; Rev. 22:11). Take hold of it and live like it.

Emmanuel, God with us. May He help us make Him proud till we see Him face to face.

SHALOM!