Picked, prized, and promoted

 

I dreaded gym class and the rite of passage called “picking teams.” The physical education uniforms that decorated our awkward, adolescent bodies were humiliating enough. But no, at some point, someone decided it would be beneficial for students to pick their own teams, instead of having the unbiased, mature teacher pick them.

I desired to be picked first, but often wasn’t.

Next came the “dances” in High School: Homecoming, Sadie Hawkins, and the crown jewel of them all– Prom. I however, was shy around boys which greatly hindered my dating statistics. I too, yearned to slow dance while the cassette track of New Kids on the Block, Jon Bon Jovi, and Patrick Swayze played over the gym speakers.

I longed to be picked to dance, but often wasn’t.

Eventually I graduated from Kansas State University with a BS in Interior Design. I started my first job in the “real world.” I did my best to meet deadlines, please my clients, and to finish under budget. I wanted my boss to pick me for a promotion, or award me with a bonus.

As you may have guessed, the promotions and raises were not as frequent as I had hoped.

Life is full of picking and of being chosen.

Life is also full of rejection.

However…

Jesus takes your rejection away eternally.

 

 

“But you are the ones chosen by God, chosen for the high calling of priestly work, chosen to be a holy people, God’s instruments to do his work and speak out for him, to tell others of the night-and-day difference he made for you- from nothing to something, from rejected to accepted.”

~1 Peter 2:9-10 The Message, emphasis mine

 

Even though I experience rejection in this life, I only need to be picked once by God to become chosen for this life and for the next. His favor extends to all who receive His Son, Jesus. (John 3:16,14:6; Romans 10:9; Ephesians 2:8-10).

It’s awesome to be picked, prized, and promoted by Him isn’t it?

But the real question is this: have you, in turn, picked Jesus for eternity?  As it is with high school, the same is true in this life:  once “the dance” is over,  if you haven’t picked Him, it’s too late… May 2013 be the year you become settled in your faith.

 

 

Participate in One Degree

In my last post, I challenged you to become settled in your faith and purpose. I asked you to consider what God would have you do in your home, school, family, work, church, community, or world. For those who are still unsure about how God wants to use you, may I ask you to consider and pray through the following opportunities?

Chosen one, I would be honored to have you serve beside me here at One Degree, in one (or perhaps more) of the following capacities:

• Guest writer/artist: Some of you also write, teach, counsel, life coach, disciple and encourage others from the Word of God. Has God laid a message on your heart? Then let’s talk… You do not have to have a blog or book to qualify as a guest here! I will also accept God honoring poetry and pictures of artwork or crafty items to feature on the blog too. Please note that I reserve the right to edit your written submission, and to determine if your submission is suitable for One Degree.
• Prayer partner: Prayer is a vital part of One Degree. I would be honored to have you join me in praying for this ministry and its readership. Prayer-e-grams will be sent to the prayer team on a bi-monthly basis. These will include specific requests, and passages of Scripture for you to pray through as often as you feel led.
• Social Media/Graphic Design Guru: Since God is growing One Degree, I would love for 1 or 2 individuals who are savvy in all things Facebook and/or graphic design to volunteer their time to help with timeline postings, giveaways, and with creating “pin” worthy graphics and blog posts.

 

Would you like to join me? Click on the “contact” tab above and fill out the form located there.

Thank you for your consideration!