Chosen by God for a Purpose

He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him.

–Ephesians 1:4

This week, we are looking at how to improve our spiritual wardrobe so that we can dress for spiritual success. In Colossians 3:12–14, Paul listed the characteristics we need to put on: compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and love.

You might be tempted to view this passage as a laundry list of things we need to do to be nicer people. But the key to this passage is in verse 12, where Paul reminded us that these characteristics are not optional; they are essential if we are going to fulfill God’s purpose for our lives. Paul began, “As those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on . . .”

Did you know you have been chosen by God for a special purpose? Ephesians 1:4 says He chose you “before the foundation of the world.” That has always been God’s pattern:

• God chose Abraham to be the father of the Hebrew people.
• God chose Joseph to be second-in-command to Pharaoh in Egypt.
• God chose the pagan ruler Cyrus to deliver the Israelites from Babylonian captivity.
• God chose John the Baptist to be the forerunner of the Messiah.
• God chose the twelve apostles to spread the message of Jesus Christ.

In the same way, if you’re a Christian, God has chosen you for a special purpose.

God’s purpose for your life is clearly spelled out in Romans 8:29: “Those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren.” God so loved His own Son that He wanted Jesus to be the first among many sons and daughters who would be just like Jesus in their attitudes, actions, and affections. God’s plan for you is “to become conformed to the image of His Son” so that you can experience the same kind of supernatural existence that Jesus did.

Our purpose puts verse 28 in perspective. Paul said, “We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” That doesn’t mean there is a silver lining in every cloud or something good in every terrible circumstance. No, Paul was saying that God is using everything in our lives–the good, the bad, and the ugly–to conform us into the image of Christ. And in order to become like Christ, we have to dress for spiritual success.

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Today’s devotion is adapted from “Improving Your Wardrobe” by Dr. Robert Jeffress, 2012.

Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. www.lockman.org.