Chosen ON Purpose, FOR A Purpose

We don’t make choices accidentally. Sure, accidents happen. But when we make a choice, we do so on purpose for a purpose. We choose for a specific reason. Likewise, we were chosen by God for a specific purpose.

When I go to the grocery store, I choose everything I put in my basket. (No, the Blue Bell does not jump into my cart!) If I pick up a bag of kale, a bunch of Brussels sprouts, and a shallot, it’s because I’m planning to make my favorite salad!

If I put on workout clothes, lace up my running shoes, and grab my phone and earbuds, it’s because I’m headed to the gym!

We make specific choices for specific reasons.

Jesus told His disciples:

You didn’t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name. (John 15:16)

Jesus told His disciples that He. Chose. Them.

Chosen to Produce Fruit

He chose them for a specific purpose. To go … and produce lasting fruit.
The same is true of us. Jesus chose us on purpose, for a purpose–to produce fruit that lasts.

For all of us, some of that fruit is the same.

• Reflecting the character of Christ in what we think, say, and do (2 Corinthians 3:18)
• Exhibiting the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our relationships with one another: love, joy, peace, faithfulness, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23)
• Sharing the gospel with others so they come to know Christ (Matthew 9:36-38)

But that fruit includes different things as well. The fruit I produce is going to be different than the fruit you produce. God appointed each of us to serve Him in different ways with the different talents and abilities He gave us.

Some people are really good at organizing and leading. Others can put together a Bible lesson that is engaging and leads people to life-change. Some see needs that others don’t, and take care of them without being asked. Still others are excel at discerning “shades of gray”–clearly recognizing lies that are disguised as truth.

Our gifts and abilities are as varied as we are. The key is discovering them, developing them, and using them to their full potential. If you’re not sure what your spiritual gifts are, you can take a “spiritual gift test” or survey. There are many available. The LifeWay inventory is comprehensive, easy to take, and relatively easy to score. The result may not be your exact spiritual gift(s), but it will point you in the right direction.

The important thing to remember, though, is that our spiritual gifts are given by God for His purposes. And … just because we test high in the area of wisdom (for example), does not mean we shouldn’t look for opportunities to help joyfully, give sacrificially, or pray intently. Our spiritual gifts are only one way we serve God. Sometimes circumstances require that we step out of our comfort zone and serve Him in new and challenging ways.

Chosen to Produce Fruit that Lasts

What makes our fruit “last?” Sharing the gospel with a hurting world so people choose Christ is the most significant way we produce lasting fruit. And although some people are gifted in this area, all of us should take advantage of every opportunity to point others to eternal life. If you have never given your life to Christ, I would love to introduce you to Him! First, click here. If you have questions, I’d love to talk with you about it. Contact Me here, or at the link in the menu bar above!

In addition, the Apostle Paul talks about building the church on the foundation of Jesus Christ. Our service adds to that. Eventually our service will be evaluated before Christ. The motives behind our work will be tested. When our motives bring praise and honor to God, our service produces fruit that “lasts” (1 Corinthians 3:10-15)!

Serving God in the way He wants us to, both in our actions and in our hearts (Ephesians 2:10), allows us to produce the lasting fruit that He desires.

Remember, you were chosen on purpose, for a purpose … to produce fruit that lasts!