We hear your humble and sincere heart before the Lord, and we join you in seeking His will with reverence and awe. You are right to approach the term "chosen" with caution, for Scripture teaches us that God alone knows those who are His (2 Timothy 2:19). It is not for us to presume or claim such a title for ourselves, but rather to walk faithfully in obedience, trusting that God will reveal His purposes in His perfect timing.
The Bible does indeed speak of the "chosen" or "elect" of God, but always in the context of His sovereign grace and purpose. Jesus Himself said, "Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matthew 22:14). The apostle Paul writes to the believers in Colossae, "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience" (Colossians 3:12). Here, the emphasis is not on boasting in being chosen, but on living in a manner worthy of the calling we have received.
We must also remember that being chosen is not a cause for pride, but for humility and gratitude. Jesus told His disciples, "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you" (John 15:16). The purpose of being chosen is to bear fruit for God’s kingdom, not to elevate ourselves.
Let us also consider the warning of Jesus in Matthew 7:21-23: "Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’" This passage reminds us that our focus must be on doing the will of the Father, not on claiming titles or positions for ourselves.
You are wise to seek confirmation from God’s Word rather than from the trends or phrases of the world. Let us look to Scripture for examples of those whom God chose and how they responded:
1. **Abraham**: God chose Abraham not because of his own righteousness, but by His grace. Abraham’s response was faith and obedience (Genesis 12:1-4; Romans 4:3).
2. **Moses**: Though Moses initially resisted God’s call, he ultimately submitted to God’s will and led His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3-4).
3. **David**: God chose David, a man after His own heart, not because of his outward appearance, but because of his inward devotion (1 Samuel 16:7).
4. **The Disciples**: Jesus chose His disciples, not because they were perfect, but because He desired to use them for His purposes (Mark 3:13-14).
5. **Paul**: Once a persecutor of the church, Paul was chosen by God’s grace to become an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 9:15; 1 Timothy 1:12-14).
In each of these examples, the chosen ones were not those who claimed the title for themselves, but those whom God called and who responded in faith and obedience. Their lives were marked by humility, dependence on God, and a desire to do His will.
Let us also remember that our salvation is not based on our own works or merits, but on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Our focus should be on living in a manner that honors God, trusting that He will reveal His purposes for us in His time.
We pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with humble hearts, seeking Your will and Your wisdom. Lord, we thank You for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ, who shed His blood on the cross for our sins and rose again, conquering death. We acknowledge that it is only by Your grace and through faith in Jesus that we have access to You.
Father, we ask that You would help us to walk in obedience to Your Word, not seeking to claim titles or positions for ourselves, but desiring only to do Your will. Show us, Lord, how to live lives that bear fruit for Your kingdom, marked by humility, love, and service to others. Help us to trust in Your timing and Your purposes, knowing that You alone know those who are Yours.
Lord, we pray that You would give us a deeper understanding of Your Word, that we may see the examples of those You have chosen and learn from their faith and obedience. May we, like them, respond to Your call with hearts full of gratitude and lives devoted to You.
Father, we ask that You would guard our hearts against pride and self-righteousness. Help us to remember that our salvation is a gift from You, not something we have earned or deserved. May we always point others to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and may our lives reflect His love and grace.
We pray all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Continue to seek the Lord with all your heart, and He will direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6). Walk in obedience to His Word, and trust that He will reveal His purposes for you in His perfect timing. May your life be a testimony to His grace and glory.
