For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will – to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves.
Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV
If you have ever worked to be picked for something, be it a sporting team, a role or promotion, you know the stress and effort that goes into your performance in the lead up. You work to the bone, you agonise and self evaluate. And it’s not just enough to do well, you have to be noticed to be doing well too. So we draw attention to ourselves. We make noise.
Maybe you’ve watched a friend or co-worker twist themselves into knots just to be picked. The pressure of performing begins to eat them alive. Their world seems to balance on the approval of those they are trying to impress.
It is easy, for us to fall into the same patterns of thinking when it comes to our relationship with God. Constantly trying to win His approval, trying to win His affection. Until we see differently, we can easily be insecure, busy and performative. But scripture does show us a different image of our relationship with God. Three words that shift our whole identity. He chose us.
Before you had a chance to get it right, pull it together or earn God’s love, HE CHOSE YOU. A foundational aspect of who you are in Christ is the idea that you are chosen. You are loved, accepted and adopted.
Our best efforts come now from a place of already being accepted. Our hearts are secured by his love. He chose you.