Tuesday: Chosen

Matthew 22:14, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

1 Peter 2:9, “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.” 

When I was in high school, I cheered and played soccer, but I also discovered a love for theatre! There was one annual production, in the spring, and it was a super exciting time at the school because I went to a smaller school, so most of the high school students were involved in the production on some level, whether it be hair, makeup, props, set building, cast, chorus, ensemble, etc. In order to get a role in the play, we had to try out. Tryouts took place in the auditorium and we were randomly grouped with a bunch of different people depending on what we were trying out for. Some years, the parts were limited, especially for female roles, so the tryouts were fairly intense. I think I was in 8th grade when I first went to my school’s production. It was a scene similar to Cinderella’s step-sisters getting around for a ball, and it probably only lasted about 60 seconds. A single minute. And in that minute, there was one girl who was getting around in the “mirror” and her facial expressions, voice, and acting completely stole the show! That was the only scene she was in, and she nailed it. To this day, it’s the only part of the show I actually remember and I can still hear the crowd’s laughter and cheering when the scene ended. She didn’t have the main role, but she completely owned her role in the show and gave her all.

That young lady’s attitude made all the difference. She could have thrown a fit that she wasn’t given a main role. She was very talented. She could have said that the part was beneath her and rejected the role. Instead, she took what she was given and created a beautiful and enjoyable moment for everyone present. My mom taught me this lesson growing up, and I think maybe her mom did as well: Little is much when God is in it. In fact, my mom used to go around the house singing “Little is much when God is in it, labor not for wealth or fame, there’s a crown and you can win it, If you go in Jesus name.” 

When you have answered the call of salvation, the Holy Spirit gives you a spiritual gift(s). He chooses which gift(s) to give you and then in turn, you are to use that gift to glorify God. Some believers do not know what their gift is, I encourage them to get in the Word, study the various spiritual gifts, and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal it to them. Some believers know immediately what their gift is, but instead of using it to glorify God, they use it for their own selfish desires or hide it away, hoarding it and never quite understanding that their gift is not theirs to hoard. There are other believers who wish they did not have the gift that they have been given, and wish for what someone else has, they resent their gift, and let it go to waste while coveting what others have been given. They long for a different role, completely missing their moment to step into the “spotlight” and be who God has called them to be - they scoff at the size of their audience, they are embarrassed that their gift seems small or insignificant, and they miss fulfilling the purpose for which they were created and for being given the spiritual gift that was bestowed upon them - that the Holy Spirit chose for them. They forget that God uses the little things to make big statements. You don’t believe me? What about the mustard seed? What about the sparrow? What about the widow’s mite? Don’t you see? “Little is much when God is in it!”

You have been called and you are chosen. Here’s the thing about spiritual gifts: they are meant to be used to glorify God first and foremost. They are not about the person who has the gift. If the focus is on the person, we are missing the most important part of that gift being effective in any way, shape, or form: Jesus. No matter what gift you have, it can be used to show God’s love for His creation and His abundant grace. Check out 1 Peter 4:11b, “ - in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”

Spiritual gifts are also meant to strengthen the church and they are to be used to serve one another. 1 Peter 4:10, “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” Christian, it’s time to stop making excuses and find your place within the church to serve. Here’s a gentle reminder too: not everyone has to see what you are doing and for who. God knows and He’s enough. Remember, He also knows when you aren’t doing what He has given you to the opportunity to do in service to Him. Lastly, I think it is important to note that while how you use your gift may change over the years, your gift doesn’t run out - there is no magical cut off date from which you retire your spiritual gifts and then you are given freedom to just sit like a bump on a log counting the ceiling tiles, twiddling your thumbs, and waiting for the Good Lord to take you home. Honestly, that sounds dreadful. Ask God to give you the strength to finish your race here on earth with the same heart that you started - completely sold out to Him and running with your whole heart.

Read: 1 Corinthians 12 (If you’d like to go a little further you can also read Ephesians 4 and Romans 12)

Consider: Do you know what your spiritual gift(s) is? How are you using your gift(s) to glorify God?

Do: Learn about your spiritual gift(s) and look for ways to use them. Trust that you have been given the exact, special gift necessary to fulfill the purpose for which you were created - don’t compare your gift(s) with others, don’t wish for different gifts, don’t think it’s too late to start using your gift, just begin to use what the Holy Spirit has given you and watch how your heart changes in the process!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, what a privilege it is to call You Father. Thank You for everything You have given us. Thank You for the Holy Spirit and the gifts that have been given to us, help us to use them in ways that bring You honor and glory. Help us to remember that little is much when You are in it - give us strength, help us to obey and to remember that we are called and chosen. We love You. Thank you for working in us and through us. Please help me to remember to keep my hands open in service to You, to not close them and deny the opportunity to be used by You. Amen.

Be Blessed!