Ephesians 1:4: For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.
It is exciting to think that God chose you and me before the creation of the world. If God chose you, then it is obvious that you are a person of great worth and significance. Because you are chosen of God, then you are gifted with his grace to make a difference in this world.
We all have days in which we feel so insignificant. But before this planet existed, God saw you, and he purposed to bring you into this world. That knowledge should drive out all thoughts of insignificance, and that knowledge should give you a positive outlook on life.
It excites me to know that Cathe chose me to be her husband. Her choice is definitely one of greatest blessings of my life. How much more should it excite me to know that God Almighty chose me before the creation of the world.
I urge you to let this truth sink into your thinking. GOD CHOSE YOU!! He loves you and he has created you with great purpose and destiny.
God chose you, you did not choose God. You did not choose for God to seek you out. But if you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, then you chose to respond to God's choice of you. You made a wise decision to accepts God's love and forgiveness. You will continue to make wise decisions, as you respond to God daily, and as you choose to walk in his purpose and destiny for your life.
Our text reveals that part of God's purpose for your life is to be holy and blameless in his sight. The topic of holiness often makes Christians uncomfortable. Some relate holiness to a set of rules which robs life of any fun. Others see holiness as something far removed from their daily lives. They see no reason to seek something that is unattainable in their sight.
In God holiness is not an option. It is a requirement. But holiness is a positive experience. Holiness opens the door to the fullness of God's joy. Holiness mean enjoying life. Holiness and fun are not antonyms. Holiness means experiencing daily the abundant life of Jesus Christ.
Notice that we are to be holy in his sight. God's view of holiness is the only one that counts. Do not conform to a distorted view of holiness. Holiness brings freedom, not bondage.
However, in fairness I must inform you that the road to holiness is a road of discipline. You must control the appetites of the flesh. You must resist the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. It is a discipline that never ends, but it is a discipline that leads to great peace. It is a discipline that brings the favor of God upon you. It is a discipline that leads you into the fullness of God's presence.
Let's examine some verses from the Bible that reveal the Father's intention regarding holiness.
I Peter 1:14-16: As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy."
II Peter 3:14: So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.
I John 3:3: Everyone who has this hope purifies himself, just as he is pure.
II Corinthians 7:1: Since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.
I Thessalonians 4:7-8: For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.
In a nutshell God wants us to walk in holiness, because he created us to be like him. God is holy. We are made in his divine image. He wants us to fellowship with him in his holiness. He wants us to be friends of God.
Many believers become so discouraged as they seek to walk in God's holiness. Be not discouraged! Every day purpose to take steps toward him. If you falter in an area, then repent, and receive God's forgiveness. Then begin to take more steps toward God.
A firm commitment to God's holiness will lead you to a place of great blessing in God. Do not delay. Today is the day to take steps toward him. Even if they are baby steps, still they are steps toward the one who chose you before the creation of the world.
Wayne L. Williams
wayne@fotwm.org