Hidden Treasure

“Even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.”
Ephesians 1:4-6 (NKJV)

Many years ago, a concrete statue in Bangkok sat neglected and collecting trash from those who walked by. When a Buddhist priest decided to move it to his temple, the statue cracked and revealed an astonishing secret: beneath its plain exterior stood an 8-foot-tall solid gold figure. It was a priceless treasure hidden in plain sight for years.

When you look into a mirror, you may see what seems like an ordinary piece of concrete. But You are so valuable that God sent His only son Jesus to die in your place, so that you could live with Him. That kind of love and sacrifice means you are worth far more than a solid gold statue. 

Today's verse reveals something freeing: you didn't earn God's love—He chose you first.

Do you know what God has done for you in Christ? He chose you. He loves you. And He has adopted you if you have placed your faith in Jesus for salvation. In other words, God has fully and finally accepted you. 

When you understand these verses, you will be free from searching for the unconditional love and acceptance that only God can give. Then you can simply follow His lead, as He shapes you into who He created you to be—His beloved child.

The best marriage, greatest career, nicest things, and most adorable kids cannot fill your fundamental desire for acceptance. Your Creator made you for Himself. Yes, earthly relationships are good gifts and God wants you to enjoy them. But even they are not enough. Only God is enough.

You were chosen before the world began—nothing you do can make God love you more or less. Because of Jesus, God has accepted you and continues to form you into the holy and blameless before Him.

And God wants you to know it. Read today’s verse a few times. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth of these words so that you can live full and free as His treasure.   

Prayer: Father, Thank You for accepting me fully and finally in Jesus. Thank You for choosing me before I was born and for including me in Your great purpose. Lord, show me the truth of these words. Let my heart embrace them like never before. May your delight in me set me free from striving for the acceptance of others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.