Many are called, but few are chosen

God has predestinated a plan for each one of our lives and it involves commitment from us for God’s glory. Jesus calls every believer to follow Him. Not money, stuff, other people, nor a pastor.

Jesus said: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it. For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost? [Luke 9:23-25]

In today’s society “commitment” seems to be a nasty word. We prefer the word “option.”  And we want to keep our options open and still follow Christ, (we set the conditions) yet Jesus asks for our full life in following Him. Likewise, who does not forsake all that he has cannot be my disciple. [Luke 14:33]

Jesus calls plain ole ordinary people. People who are just like you and me who are willing to do all that He commands. We were created an original therefore, we need to quit trying to be someone else for God to use and allow Him to mold us into the disciple He can choose! You need not die a copy.  There are two parts of Jesus’ call, “Follow Me” (become a member of God’s family). Being born again you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you and you shall be my witness as the Holy Spirit will live out the message of Jesus through us.” [Acts 1:8]

It’s never about us! It’s always all about Jesus.  Allow Him to teach us how to become “Fishers of men”(Our job is to share the love of God and Jesus finished work on the cross with others.) We need to “look for” and minister to the lost. [Luke 19:10] for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

However, for the last 20-25 years the teachings of the Gospel have caused the church folks to look too much at taking care of themselves instead. Check yourself! Are you truly an ambassador for Christ or are you like a fisherman waiting for the fish to jump into your boat without any effort on your part.

Jesus said many are called but few are chosen. He said the gate that leads to destruction is wide and many enter through it. But small is the gate that leads to eternal life and only a few walk therein. We as the minority are going to be tested to conform, compromise or submit to peer pressure from the church folks and opposition from those of the world systems.

But we’re not the minority force. Our faith is tested when we’re outnumbered. Will you trust that God can do what he sets out to do regardless of the odds? Do you stand up for Jesus do when you’re the minority at work or among your peers?

When God blesses your faithfulness, others may get jealous and try to attack what you stand for. They will want to undermine or sabotage God’s workings through you. They think they are doing God a favor. Our faith maybe tested when we’re outnumbered. They judge us outwardly. God may call us when we were cowards – He’ll make us courageous. God may call us as an unknown – He gives promotions.

God never lead aimlessly – He directs our paths. God does not tempt us. God tests to bless us. God always chooses His disciples out of a fiery furnace trial. Too many Christians will not go near a ‘furnace’ nor willingly enter into one like the three Hebrew boys who took a stand not to bow nor compromise. [Daniel 3:1-30]

The same is true of us today. The people who are chosen by Jesus humbly walk close to our LORD daily while totally relying on Him. Any time you rely on your own strength, your own knowledge, or your own abilities; you are saying that you don’t need God. When we humble ourselves and acknowledge God, the Holy Spirit will work through you, He is able to do excellently great and mighty things.

Are we ready to follow Jesus? Will you accept His call and being chosen?