After I finished theological college I remember going on a retreat with other candidates and being in a room with the archbishop while he gave me a final personal exam. While I do not remember specific words, I do recall thinking that ‘God has chosen me to shepherd his people’ – what a weight I felt that day. I also remember thinking that because God had chosen me for this task, that I would be the best shepherd I could be. Since God chose me, I must make an effort to let my choices reflect his choice of me. This is the calling of all Christians.
4 For He chose us in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love 5 He predestined us to be adopted through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to His favour and will…Ephesians 1
We were chosen by God to be holy and blameless in his sight. This means that all of our decisions are to be holy – holy decisions are decisions made for Jesus. The choices we make at work, home, and play are for his sake. Being a Christian means that all places and situations have the potential to become holy. This is exciting because this gives us many opportunities to serve and please Jesus.
God adopted you by Jesus and for Jesus. God, before the beginning of the Earth, chose you to be His representative where he puts you. Live your calling. Let you choices reflect your chosenness. You are plan A, there is no plan B.
Denis Oliver