“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 to be
adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and
will—to the praise of his glorious grace which he has freely given to us in the
One he loves.” Ephesians 1:4-6 (NIV)
“. . . he chose us” God
picked us out to belong to Him. If you are married, do you remember how you
felt when your steady beau asked you to spend the rest of your life with him?
Magnify that emotion many times over and that is the effect of realizing that
God has chosen you and me to belong to Him.
“. . . before the creation of the world . . .”
Our heavenly Father made this selection before the beginning of time. He knows
who would belong to Him. We become amazed when we hear of people having
possessions that have been in their families for generations. I was recently in
a group meeting. The facilitator asked each of us to tell of our most special
accomplishment. The one thing I could think of was that, come November, Hubby
and I will have been married 44 years. When I realize that God had me in mind
eons before that, I feel very humble.
“. . . holy and blameless . . .”
God sets us apart and deems us without sin. From time to time we may fall short
of the standard God has set for us.
“. .
. in his sight.” God sees us as He sees us. He also
looks upon others with love. I say this because, although sometimes others have
hurt me, I realize God loves them as much as He loves me.
“. .
. he predestined us to be adopted . . ” God chose us to
become one of His. He doesn’t stand off and watch us mess up our lives. He
desires an active part in our lives. Simply put, we can ask Him to guide us
through our days an to listen to our plans as we begin our activities.
“. . . in accordance with His pleasure and will—. .
.”
When we ask God to guide us through our day or
through a project, we please Him. I believe He actually smiles when we bring
our plans to him. Each time we approach God and ask for guidance, His answers
always line up with His will.
“. . . to the praise of his glorious grace . . .”
Shouldn’t we give praise to God for His marvelous, unconditional, undeserved
love for us? We should thank Him for each action God does in our behalf. Our
prayers should include praises as well as petitions, thanksgiving as well as
requests.
“. .
. freely given to us . . .” God’s bestows His love
upon us without asking anything of us beyond our living for Him. Some say that
it costs us our lives. He is the One who gives us those lives. Shouldn’t we be
thankful and loving toward God for that?
“. . . in the One he loves.” Our heavenly Father gives all
this grace through His only Son who, while on earth has taught
us how to worship, live for, and adore Him.