You Are Not an Afterthought

Do you remember dodge ball? If not, let me remind you. It’s the game where you and your team pummel the other team with a rubber ball to get them “out”. The last team standing wins. This game is barbaric to say the least. But the actual game has nothing on the process of choosing the team itself. If you don’t know what I mean, you must have been chosen first or second in the dodge ball draft. I, on the other hand, was usually further down on the roster.

With each name called out (that’s not yours), your heart beats a little faster and your mind starts to come up with a list of reasons you’re not wanted. That is until you’re finally chosen. And you’re ecstatic.

Think back to a time when you were chosen for something. Maybe a school team, or a partnership, or even for a date. How did that feel? Pretty amazing, right. Now think about this week’s verse. Ephesians 1:4 says “Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes.” How much more amazing does that make you feel?

Before you were born, before the earth was even created, God chose you. That means you are loved, cared for, respected, and held dear. You are not an afterthought.

Now that you know you’re God’s first draft pick, how will that change the way you walk out this unperfected life? Will you shine a little brighter? Will you praise a little louder? Will you share the Gospel a little freer?