Election and Character

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender feelings of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another and forgiving yourselves, if anyone has a complaint against any. As Christ forgave you, so also you do.”
Colossians 3:12-13

The “elect of God” reveal their call and election through their expression of Christ-like character. They bear unfeigned aspects of His heart and passion. In spiritual things, we are revealed by what we are, and what we are is expressed by what we do. It is a fearful thing to claim to be His while being void of His growing likeness.

The prayer of David exemplifies the desire for a godly walk.

“Teach me thy way, O Lord; I will walk in thy truth:
unite my heart to fear thy name”
Psalm 86:11

A united heart is an authentic heart; a heart full of the fear and wonder of the Lord.  The desire of David was that his heart would be united to the truth of God’s Word. What we see in Him is what we are becoming. Growth in Christ is revealed in the spontaneous flow of His nature into the world around us. The desire for a united heart is the affirmation of His Spirit at work within us.

Election is the Call of God for us to “become”
in motive, word and deed; pure expressions of Him.

The purpose of truth is to make us true. True to Him, true to one another, and true to the world around us.

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence
to make your calling and election sure…”
2 Peter 1:10

Election requires a holy diligence to make it the substance and reality of a believer’s life.

Please see related post: The Ever Present One

“None can know their election but by their conformity to Christ;
for all who are chosen are chosen to sanctification”
Matthew Henry

Brian Troxel