What Does Being "chosen" By God Mean

you know the verse, many are called few are chosen ( Matt 22:14)


I feel like I'm straining to be chosen by God, like I want to be but in the end God chooses whom ever he wills. God's chosen are changed people, inside and out; others recognize it too ....
I wanted God in my life, to change me the way he does others...but he doesn't do much with me.....

and I just feel, like if he wanted to do something with me , he would have.
I even, tried to be encourage d by Therese of Lisieux ( little flower of Jesus) and I was for a bit until
I read how one of the mothers saw something different about here and had her write a biography and someone told zelie,her mother, she won't have to worry about this child....she's a chosen spirit.

and I just started to feel crummy again, I just wondered what ex qualified me from being chosen?
I just feel life really is not worth really living if you aren't chosen by god.
 
Why are you disqualified?
Do you Love Jesus with your Heart, Mind, Soul, and Strength?
If so... You aren't disqualified....

"Feelings" are some of the worst possible indicators..... Emotions will LIE to you day in and day out.....

One of the breakthroughs for me personally was that Faith = Love + Belief + Obedience.... Faith is inseparable from Obedience.....

So... Pray that God would use you.... Pray to Jesus that you want to be Obedient to Him..... That you want to SERVE Him....

Then... Prepare....
Are you part of a Bible study? Like a good home group bible study?
Are you going somewhere you can worship and fellowship with other believers?
Have you sought out opportunities to Serve?

Thanks
 
I'm going to be honest, I do not love him 100%

and I did seek opportunities to serve him but...idk I guess it didn't mean much to him, I don't know what else to do otherthan give up.
 
you know the verse, many are called few are chosen ( Matt 22:14)

Jesus never did explain exactly what He meant by that phrase, many interpret it in different ways.
To me it means that there are many who are called into His service (i.e. the priesthood), but few who are chosen
to be exceptional servants.
For example the have been many priests through the ages, but relatively few great saints.
John the Baptist was "chosen", John the run-of-the-mill Protestant Minister was "called".
See the difference?
It is no reflection on you as a person or Christian. Remember that "they serve also who stand and wait".
Not everbody can be Elijah, even though God had "1000 just like him".
 
I get it, I remember when I used to want to be used mightily by God..now all I want is for him to talk to me.
when I pray, it would be nice if he helped me to do so, and just answered .

if he did I could care less working behind the scenes.


but thanks glomung, that put it in a better perspective for me.
 
Pancakes, I am going to suggest something that may not be true for you, but it could be. I have seen it to be true for many others. Okay?

Sometimes, it is easy to get our eyes onto people who appear to do great things for G-d. They may be in a great spotlight or in a little one, but we want to emulate them, to be as popular, to experience what they experience, to be loved as they are. But you and I are unique souls, called to be what G-d planned from before the foundation of the earth -- in the place He especially arranged for us -- out of the mind of G-d. Our lives evolve then, molded by Him, until we occupy that special place.

You have written that you "want to mimic the little flower of Lisieux." I had never heard of this person before I saw the name here. And please understand that I haven't a clue about veneration of people as done in the R Catholic church. But when I read about her, I saw this:
What matters in life is not great deeds, but great love.
This is the person you want to be like! The same article said she "saw herself as the 'little flower of Jesus,' who gave glory to God by just being her beautiful little self among all the other flowers in God's garden." :)

Pancakes, I have seen in you a very gentle, loving person. Is this what G-d wants you to be for Him? If it is, are His desires enough? And can you wait until He gives you other opportunities? Can you wait that long?
 
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yah Therese of Lisieux is utterly amazing, I really wish I could love God the way she does. she's been thoroughly tested in that she was bullied, lost her mom...I even read that while she was in the covenant some sisters splashed dirty hot water in her face multiple times..... and at the age of 24 died of a sickness, yet she loved Jesus sooooo much.


I feel I could never do that, I want to...but I get angry and mad and frustrated, I have no idea how she over rode all those emotions.... but I do wish I could be exactly like her.
 
yah Therese of Lisieux is utterly amazing, I really wish I could love God the way she does. she's been thoroughly tested in that she was bullied, lost her mom...I even read that while she was in the covenant some sisters splashed dirty hot water in her face multiple times..... and at the age of 24 died of a sickness, yet she loved Jesus sooooo much.


I feel I could never do that, I want to...but I get angry and mad and frustrated, I have no idea how she over rode all those emotions.... but I do wish I could be exactly like her.

Then listen, really listen to her words here...

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily
do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm.
If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness
.”
Thérèse de Lisieux

We (the chosen, which includes you) are a garden of the Lord's planting (Psalm 1). Some are roses, some just tiny berries, and some are trees. Each comes to fruition in "due season" if we continue in the faith. Remember, some plants take longer to come to fruition than others. When an apple tree is planted it must be cultivated a number of years before it produces fruit others can be nourished from. A rose is beautiful to look at but serves little purpose (though it blooms in one year).

Your dilemma is exactly why Paul has so much to say about the body...is not the sole of the foot just as essential (which carries the gospel to many places) as the mouth (which speaks it when it arrives)? You are young pancakes...I have been in the Lord longer than you have been alive. The first 10 years of my journey, or more, I wrestled Him...I tried to be saved and keep my old life...God loved me so much (I see this in retrospect) and was so patient with me that the battle and the wait were worth every lesson the struggle had to teach me (and I am still learning and growing). To what end then shall a pear tree compare itself to some lily and say "Why am I not like this?"

Keep the faith and keep doing good, He has not forsaken you, He is training you up...BECAUSE you have been chosen in Christ. This instantaneous radical transformation stuff is a myth (it happens for a few but is not the norm)...read the word and work with Him. Moment by moment (as you can bring it to mind) sow to the Spirit (plant seeds of the fruit of the Spirit and cultivate these, a it takes time for fruit to grow)...and where possible, when you pray, pray His words back to Him (they do not RETURN void)...read Isaiah 55:10...

in His love
Paul
 
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Jesus never did explain exactly what He meant by that phrase, many interpret it in different ways.
To me it means that there are many who are called into His service (i.e. the priesthood), but few who are chosen
to be exceptional servants.
For example the have been many priests through the ages, but relatively few great saints.
John the Baptist was "chosen", John the run-of-the-mill Protestant Minister was "called".
See the difference?
It is no reflection on you as a person or Christian. Remember that "they serve also who stand and wait".
Not everbody can be Elijah, even though God had "1000 just like him".

The whole context was about a wedding feast my brother. (Verses 4-14).

The "bidden" are the people of Israel whereas those in the highways are the Gentiles. "Both bad and Good" refer to the moral and immoral sinners who alike need Gods gracious invitation.

The "highways" implies crossroads as opposed to back roads. History has shown us the success of urban evangelization, which can be implied here. The man without the "wedding garment" came to the feast but had disgraced the propriety of the kings provision, since such garments were normally supplied by the host. The reference then seems to be to the "robe" of righteousness which must be received from the Lord in order to enter the marriage feast. Casting the unclad guest into "outer darkness" symbolizes the eternal judgment of the host.

Again the phrase is repeated, "many are called but few are chosen", to emphasize to the Jewish audience who considered themselves to be God's chosen people that the outward call of God was not sufficient for salvation apart from the efficacious call of God's grace.
 
@pancakes, you are not alone, if we are honest no one can love God 100%, that is what Paul was getting at when he said, the things I don't want to do are the things I do and the things I want to do I don't do, there has been only one Man that has walked on this planet that could say He could love God 100%.

Here is some encouragement for you on this subject,

For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 1 Co 3:11-13

The key to unlocking this Truth is where are the six items found, wood, hay and stubble can all be seen, they represent those that have a public ministry, gold, silver and precious stone are all hidden, they represent those that the public don't see, so if you have a hidden ministry it's precious in Father's eyes.

Blessings,

Gene
 
[Brother Paul, post: 362754, member: 13044"]Then listen, really listen to her words here...

“The splendor of the rose and the whiteness of the lily
do not rob the little violet of it’s scent nor the daisy of its simple charm.
If every tiny flower wanted to be a rose, spring would lose its loveliness
.”
Thérèse de Lisieux

We (the chosen, which includes you) are a garden of the Lord's planting (Psalm 1). Some are roses, some just tiny berries, and some are trees. Each comes to fruition in "due season" if we continue in the faith. Remember, some plants take longer to come to fruition than others. When an apple tree is planted it must be cultivated a number of years before it produces fruit others can be nourished from. A rose is beautiful to look at but serves little purpose (though it blooms in one year).

Your dilemma is exactly why Paul has so much to say about the body...is not the sole of the foot just as essential (which carries the gospel to many places) as the mouth (which speaks it when it arrives)? You are young pancakes...I have been in the Lord longer than you have been alive. The first 10 years of my journey, or more, I wrestled Him...I tried to be saved and keep my old life...God loved me so much (I see this in retrospect) and was so patient with me that the battle and the wait were worth every lesson the struggle had to teach me (and I am still learning and growing). To what end then shall a pear tree compare itself to some lily and say "Why am I not like this?"

Keep the faith and keep doing good, He has not forsaken you, He is training you up...BECAUSE you have been chosen in Christ. This instantaneous radical transformation stuff is a myth (it happens for a few but is not the norm)...read the word and work with Him. Moment by moment (as you can bring it to mind) sow to the Spirit (plant seeds of the fruit of the Spirit and cultivate these, a it takes time for fruit to grow)...and where possible, when you pray, pray His words back to Him (they do not RETURN void)...read Isaiah 55:10...

in His love
Paul[/QUOTE]

Thankyou, your answer made me hopeful again. But, I think I've abandoned the want/ attraction to grandiose ministries a while ago, my main hang up- which you addressed :)- was seeing very little change in myself and feeling like I'm trying to keep myself saved. I feellike aAdam in that picture, you know where Adam reaches out his finger to touch God,s and God does the same but their fingers don't quite meet, I feel like that_ like I'm trying so hard, well tried hard...now just reading and praying is a bit difficult. idk I guess patience is key, BC I've looked at the christian whose life changes instantaneously and bears these plentiful fruit as my guide. patience is a virtue, one I need to develop,but thank you for your insight.
 
you know the verse, many are called few are chosen ( Matt 22:14)


I feel like I'm straining to be chosen by God, like I want to be but in the end God chooses whom ever he wills. God's chosen are changed people, inside and out; others recognize it too ....
I wanted God in my life, to change me the way he does others...but he doesn't do much with me.....

and I just feel, like if he wanted to do something with me , he would have.
I even, tried to be encourage d by Therese of Lisieux ( little flower of Jesus) and I was for a bit until
I read how one of the mothers saw something different about here and had her write a biography and someone told zelie,her mother, she won't have to worry about this child....she's a chosen spirit.

and I just started to feel crummy again, I just wondered what ex qualified me from being chosen?
I just feel life really is not worth really living if you aren't chosen by god.
What Jesus means is that whereas many are called few will respond - hence become chosen, saved. BTW there's nothing you can do to gain salvation it's a gift.
 
Yes, I know you can't gain salvation..but you( people saved) have a part to play too. God won't do it all, if he did that would negate free will.
 
Thankyou, your answer made me hopeful again. But, I think I've abandoned the want/ attraction to grandiose ministries a while ago, my main hang up- which you addressed :)- was seeing very little change in myself and feeling like I'm trying to keep myself saved. I feellike aAdam in that picture, you know where Adam reaches out his finger to touch God,s and God does the same but their fingers don't quite meet, I feel like that_ like I'm trying so hard, well tried hard...now just reading and praying is a bit difficult. idk I guess patience is key, BC I've looked at the christian whose life changes instantaneously and bears these plentiful fruit as my guide. patience is a virtue, one I need to develop,but thank you for your insight.
You're being trained pancakes, don't worry. Read John 10:27-29. You are safe, just work with God and you will be amazed. This includes reading and studying the bible, going to church service and getting involved in the church, talking to people who are friendly at church, and another good idea is finding some mentors in the church and becoming friends with them and also becoming a mentor to others. Fight the doubt and hopelessness and trust in God almighty, reach out to him through your actions and rejoice in your salvation. The devil wants you to believe that you aren't saved, don't let him trick you!
 
We are all made in His image, so we are all called at some point. The answer we give God makes all the difference. The verse, I believe, has to do with God's plan for something He wills to be done. Many are called to perform the needed service/work to bring to fruition His will. But of the many called, few are chosen because most don't answer the call with "Yes, Lord, I will be your vessel." Most think they are too busy, or they are not trained for the job, or any number of excuses. When you are presented with a task or responsibility which would please God, answer the call with a "Yes, Lord" and put your heart into it. Amazing things happen. Don't just go through the motions with it. Give it your all. Trust God.
 
We are all made in His image, so we are all called at some point. The answer we give God makes all the difference. The verse, I believe, has to do with God's plan for something He wills to be done. Many are called to perform the needed service/work to bring to fruition His will. But of the many called, few are chosen because most don't answer the call with "Yes, Lord, I will be your vessel." Most think they are too busy, or they are not trained for the job, or any number of excuses. When you are presented with a task or responsibility which would please God, answer the call with a "Yes, Lord" and put your heart into it. Amazing things happen. Don't just go through the motions with it. Give it your all. Trust God.
I agree that all Christians should have the attitude to do whatever God's will may be. I also think that their is no way of getting out of God's will even if you're stubborn because God knows you (he created you) so even your non-obedience is not a surprise to God. He wouldn't be asking you something and then be surprised when you said no because he already knew your answer. What i'm basically trying to say is even though we hear how in control God is of everything, i'm not sure if we understand how much he really does control everything! Once we give ourselves to God and ask Christ to live within us anything is possible! Our minds and spirits are under God's control when we ask him to take over, that is why we don't need to be anxious or fearful. Hope that makes sense.
 
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you know the verse, many are called few are chosen ( Matt 22:14)


I feel like I'm straining to be chosen by God, like I want to be but in the end God chooses whom ever he wills. God's chosen are changed people, inside and out; others recognize it too ....
I wanted God in my life, to change me the way he does others...but he doesn't do much with me.....

and I just feel, like if he wanted to do something with me , he would have.
I even, tried to be encourage d by Therese of Lisieux ( little flower of Jesus) and I was for a bit until
I read how one of the mothers saw something different about here and had her write a biography and someone told zelie,her mother, she won't have to worry about this child....she's a chosen spirit.

and I just started to feel crummy again, I just wondered what ex qualified me from being chosen?
I just feel life really is not worth really living if you aren't chosen by god.

God is no respecter of persons. Being chosen is a ball that lies in our court. Whether it is saved vs unsaved or Paul vs me.
 
I agree that all Christians should have the attitude to do whatever God's will may be. I also think that their is no way of getting out of God's will even if you're stubborn because God knows you (he created you) so even your non-obedience is not a surprise to God. He wouldn't be asking you something and then be surprised when you said no because he already knew your answer. What i'm basically trying to say is even though we hear how in control God is of everything, i'm not sure if we understand how much he really does control everything! Once we give ourselves to God and ask Christ to live within us anything is possible! Our minds and spirits are under God's control when we ask him to take over, that is why we don't need to be anxious or fearful. Hope that makes sense.
I think God is surprised sometimes with our choices. That is the whole point of mercy. He knows the outcomes of all the decisions that we could make at any given time. That is His omniscience. But He wants us to decide between the paths laid out for us. When we choose poorly, He is disappointed. Too many disappointments and He can get angry. We see this throughout the Bible. But that is the point in His mercy. He can be disappointed many times, but He also knows we can do better the next time, and as Christians, He will work in us and on us to help us make the better choices in the future. That is what mercy is all about. Otherwise, just pronounce judgement because it is all preordained and nothing we do will change anything. Why even give us the Bible? We will be who we will be no matter what, in that case. Maybe this mercy "thing" and learning and growing and making right choices is the meaning of life?
Funny how you start typing one thing and something else comes of it!
 
Lotsa wonderful responses here, Pancakes. I think God loves everyone but the "chosen" are those who are able to feel that love and are then able to respond and grow toward that infinite and eternal love.
 
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