Attitude Of The Chosen!

Consider for a moment the idea of being "chosen". Consider what that does to the perception of self. It might bring to mind such things as "special", "significant", "lucky", "fortunate", or may even lead to a spirit of pride. Peter referred to Christians as a "chosen" people.

We read. . .
"But you are a CHOSEN RACE, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, A PEOPLE FOR HIS OWN POSSESSION, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." ( I Peter 2:9 ESV)

Sounds special doesn't it? Yes, each one of us is to God! Sound significant also? Yes, God gives us significance! Does it also sound fortunate? I would say so. Could the idea puff us up with pride? Yes, if we are not careful.

When we consider the nation of Israel in the Old Testament referred to as God's chosen people, did that mean they were really better morally or of a higher standard of character than anyone else? No! This is obvious from their continual rise and fall in their relationship to God. When we view ourselves as being "chosen of God" we must be careful to not develop pride as if we were chosen because we are so great. It is important to keep in mind that God's intent and invitation is for all to respond to the message of salvation in Christ. ( 2 Pet. 3:9; John 3:16)

Now, what was it that Israel was chosen for? I believe it is seated in the promise to Abraham ( Genesis 12:2-3) regarding the blessing that would come to the world through His seed. However, I also believe there was another task Israel was chosen to fulfill which we also ought to consider in light of ourselves being referred to as God's chosen people. Didn't other nations note SOMETHING ABOUT GOD when they observed Israel? Israel was to be an example to the world of how God desired to bless all mankind in a relationship with Him. The question for us to ask ourselves as people of God is: "How well am I doing at DEMONSTRATING IN MY LIFE WHAT GOD HAS IN MIND for blessing the world?"

Going back to what Peter said ( I Peter 2:9), we were not chosen for the purpose of singing our praises and boasting about being special, but rather we are to "PROCLAIM THE EXCELLENCIES OF HIM who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

Have a great day REVEALING WHAT IT MEANS TO BELONG TO GOD.
Carl

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[This focus was originally sent 09/08/1998 (Edited some with passage changed to ESV)]

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