Chosen
“God’s priorities are different.”
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NCV)
Brothers and sisters, look at what you were when God called you. Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence. Not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one can brag in his presence.
Reflection
Most people probably don’t want to think of themselves as foolish, weak, or unimportant. Most people in the world today would feel insulted if someone called them these things. But in the eyes of God, these descriptions are not viewed as negative traits. God has no use for the qualities and accomplishments we humans typically consider important. Our culture strives for money, recognition, and success. God’s priorities are different.
Throughout the Old Testament, God chose people like Gideon to perform miraculous feats. In the New Testament, Jesus chose uneducated, working-class people to be His disciples, the people he trusted and loved the most. As a tax collector, Matthew was probably the wealthiest of the group but also the least influential and most despised of the apostles, because of his profession. Yet, Jesus chose Matthew because He saw him as uniquely qualified. Throughout the Bible and even today, God continues to choose ordinary, broken, flawed people to further His kingdom. People just like Gideon, David, Matthew, and Paul. People just like you and me.
Our God knows He will accomplish His plans by using people who lean on Him, not themselves. People who humble themselves, acknowledge their weaknesses, and show an obedience to follow Him, wherever He leads them.
Rich vs. Poor
Influential vs. Unknown
Powerful vs. Weak
Proud vs. Humble
Wise vs. Simple
Don’t let the world’s definitions of these words keep you from choosing the side you want to be on. Let God define you based on His priorities and lead you to His glory.
Action Steps
Think of three traits you would like God to identify with you. Are you obedient, giving, compliant, kind, strong in faith, loving? After you think of your words, pray and ask God to help you develop these traits in a way that glorifies Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your never-ending pursuit of me and for loving me because of my weaknesses. Thank You for assuring me that I am qualified by the blood of Jesus to do whatever You are calling me to do with my life. I give You all the glory. Amen.
Brothers and sisters, look at what you were when God called you. Not many of you were wise in the way the world judges wisdom. Not many of you had great influence. Not many of you came from important families. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and he chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose what the world thinks is unimportant and what the world looks down on and thinks is nothing in order to destroy what the world thinks is important. God did this so that no one can brag in his presence.
Reflection
Most people probably don’t want to think of themselves as foolish, weak, or unimportant. Most people in the world today would feel insulted if someone called them these things. But in the eyes of God, these descriptions are not viewed as negative traits. God has no use for the qualities and accomplishments we humans typically consider important. Our culture strives for money, recognition, and success. God’s priorities are different.
Throughout the Old Testament, God chose people like Gideon to perform miraculous feats. In the New Testament, Jesus chose uneducated, working-class people to be His disciples, the people he trusted and loved the most. As a tax collector, Matthew was probably the wealthiest of the group but also the least influential and most despised of the apostles, because of his profession. Yet, Jesus chose Matthew because He saw him as uniquely qualified. Throughout the Bible and even today, God continues to choose ordinary, broken, flawed people to further His kingdom. People just like Gideon, David, Matthew, and Paul. People just like you and me.
Our God knows He will accomplish His plans by using people who lean on Him, not themselves. People who humble themselves, acknowledge their weaknesses, and show an obedience to follow Him, wherever He leads them.
Rich vs. Poor
Influential vs. Unknown
Powerful vs. Weak
Proud vs. Humble
Wise vs. Simple
Don’t let the world’s definitions of these words keep you from choosing the side you want to be on. Let God define you based on His priorities and lead you to His glory.
Action Steps
Think of three traits you would like God to identify with you. Are you obedient, giving, compliant, kind, strong in faith, loving? After you think of your words, pray and ask God to help you develop these traits in a way that glorifies Him.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your never-ending pursuit of me and for loving me because of my weaknesses. Thank You for assuring me that I am qualified by the blood of Jesus to do whatever You are calling me to do with my life. I give You all the glory. Amen.
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