As humans, we like being chosen. When there’s a girl that chooses us as a boyfriend or vice versa, that feels good. When we are chosen for the job over other applicants. That feels fantastic. When our efforts are acknowledged by medals or awards, we feel seen. We love to be chosen.
Did you know that each of us has an innate piece within us to be chosen by God, our Creator? Pascal coined the term, “God-vacuumed heart” to describe our desire ultimately is to be chosen, reunited with God. As humans, we try all kinds of things to fill that hole whether it’s relationships, money, career, substances…but we discover nothing ever satisfies. However, when we choose God, we find the peace, joy, unconditional love, and satisfaction we’ve been longing for in our life.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that each of us has been chosen by God. His desire is that everyone would come back to him and be reunited in relationship with him. In Romans 8:14-17, Paul says, “…all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs.”
This is incredible news! God has adopted us as his kids. When we say ‘yes’ to following Jesus, His Spirit lives within us and we become part of the family of God. But how do we know we are in the family? The Apostle John says in 1 John 3:10, “…we can tell who are children of God and who are children of the devil. Anyone who does not live righteously and does not love other believers does not belong to God.” So John is saying, “Love God. Love people.” That’s it. Jesus himself sums that up in Mark 12:30-31 when he states we should Love the LORD with every piece of us and love others like we love ourselves.
Let me encourage you today to be part of the family by being led by the Spirit. Each of us has a choice every day to be Spirit-led or follow our fleshly desires. Jesus said you’ll know a tree by its fruit. So, exemplify Jesus in your life by having the fruit of the Spirit. Those characteristics include love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When these are part of our life, we know we are part of the family of God.
I know in our current culture, it’s tiring to fight against the world. The world seems to never stop attacking us. But you hold to what it means to be a family member, recognising Jesus is our brother and you’ve been adopted by God. As we tire, remember what Jesus says to you in Matthew 11:28. “Come to me all you who are weary and heavily burdened and I will give you rest.” You and I can find rest with the family, with Jesus. Stay strong and courageous and do not be afraid. Blessings on the journey.