Chosen Before the Creation of the World
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Acts 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
1 John 2:15-17
15. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If any one loves the world, love for the Father is not in him. 16. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the pride of life, is not of the Father but is of the world. 17. And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.
1 Peter 1:18-20
For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.
I am very moved by verse 17 from 1 John: “And the world passes away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides for ever.” Combine that with 1 Peter: “He [Christ] was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.” How can one not find comfort in these words. They offer us a reminder and the assurance that God is in control of the world. He has already laid out the future. This present time in which we live is merely the blink of an eye in God’s view of time.
Believing this to be so, I think we ought to make the best of this time we have. The world was planned out long ago, with many divergent futures. What future are we creating in our life times? What things of this world are we lusting after instead of Christ? I have many, admittedly. The timing of these verses for me is impeccable! God knew that would be the case! I have been on a life long journey and struggled with several issues that have held me back from being the person I believe God designed me to be. I have one last stronghold to turn over to him and I am holding on to it for dear life!
Don’t get me wrong, I have numerous character flaws and fall into un-Christian behaviors and thoughts more often than I care to admit. But this one stronghold is the last bastion of my ego and my demand to lust after things of this world. I am working my way up to turning it over to God. This final act of submission will be life-changing I know. As a human being though, I’ve had quite a bit of change in the last year and I’m not sure I’m up for any more! Of course these verses tell me how silly I am to fight it!
I have a great deal yet to be accomplished. I hope to live a long, fruitful and productive life. The only way that will happen is by turning my life over to my creator. He wants all of my life – not part of it – all of it. He is waiting and watching for me to make my move. As my resolve strengthens, he rejoices.
What are the strongholds in your life? What is preventing you from living fully in Christ? What lusts of the flesh and lust of the eyes and pride of life are preventing you from being the person God designed you to be?
My prayer today is that you examine your life, your possessions, your lusts and your desires from God’s vantage point. And that you take a step toward desiring His promises above all others.
Mary
