Chosen

As we continue to press into the Season of the Kingdom, we want to make sure we make the distinction between being Called and being Chosen. Jesus said that "many are Called, but few are Chosen" (Matthew 22). We are entering a Season where being Called will not be enough. Every born-again believer has a Calling. Every Christian has a Divine Assignment for which they've been anointed and appointed to fulfill. However, just because you're Called, and you may have even "answered" this call (like answering a Call to preach), doesn't mean that you are Chosen. In this Season of Kingdom Manifestation, those who will be used by God and those who will be on the front lines of this Movement will not be simply the Called, it will be the Chosen.

When we compare this concept to the Natural, we find that there are various areas where people have to be Chosen. Next week is the NFL (National Football League) Draft, where various college players will be selected by different professional teams. These players have to be Chosen. You cannot just randomly get to the NFL. You have to be Chosen to play by a particular organization. And in order for them to choose you, you have to be Qualified. This is one of the challenges for many Christians who are operating in a Calling but fail to make the distinction of being Chosen; they don't Qualify. I've said this before and I'll say it again; in many instances when it comes to being used by God in the Advancement of His Kingdom, the anointing is not enough. Your spiritual gifts represent the anointing of God. But in order to be Chosen, you have to have spiritual character and substance. You have to be Obedient (1Peter 1). You have to learn to Deny Your Self. You have to learn to Bear your Cross (Matthew 16). These are some of the qualifications of the Chosen of God. In order to make a team in the NFL, you have to pass a Physical. This determines whether or not you are physically fit to play the game at the level required. Are you fit to be a worker in the Kingdom of God? Spiritually, Mentally, Emotionally, Relationally and Physically? (1Thessalonians 5). Once again, in order to be Chosen, you have to Qualify.

Lastly saints, you have to Love Him. I know this sounds basic, and you would think that every believer in Christ, if nothing else, loves the Lord. But the longer I hang around the saints, the less I'm convinced of this general assessment. The scripture says, "this people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth...but their heart is far from me". (Matthew 15). People have learned what to say regarding their love for the Lord, but that doesn't necessarily mean that that's where their heart is. When you really love Jesus, your world revolves around Him. You want to spend time with Him. You want to Worship and Adore Him. You hang, literally, on His every Word. His wish is truly your Command. No sacrifice is too much, no mountain to steep, when it comes to pleasing the Master. A lot of us are busy in ministry and devoted to "working" for the Lord. But remember what Jesus told the church at Ephesus, "nevertheless I have somewhat against thee...thou hast left thy first love" (Revelation 2). Let's make sure, above anything else, that we are truly in love with Jesus. This will ensure that we are Chosen.