As I read commentary on last week’s NFL Draft, I was reminded of that special feeling we get when we are chosen for a team. Whether it is being picked for the sandlot team, making the cut for the varsity, being recruited to a college, or being drafted to a professional organization, there is always a wonderful sense of acceptance and gratitude when we “make the team.”

I remember my own experience of walking up to the coach’s door after tryouts to see if my name was on his list. I remember grinning happily when I saw my name and high-fiving friends who also had made the team. I remember feeling called, chosen, set apart for a unique purpose. I was part of the team.

In his second letter to the Thessalonian church, Paul wrote, “…from the beginning God has chosen you for salvation.” And it doesn’t stop there with a one-time salvation experience. Peter carries it farther in 1 Peter 2:9-10 and says we are a chosen generation—God’s own special people who will proclaim Him.

Just as each rookie was drafted to fill a purpose and a role in the organization, we have been chosen by God to be a part of His plan to build His Kingdom. We each have a unique role to play based on the gifts, desires and talents He’s given us. And just as a rookie’s job is to learn his role and meet the requirements necessary to fulfill it, each of us must take time to understand God’s plan for us and what we need to fulfill our roles in the church and community.

When Jesus spoke to the disciples in John 13-17, He stated that God’s plan is simple, yet profound. 1: Abide in Him. 2: Love one another. 3: Keep His commands, the last of which was to go and make disciples.

Today, may we all realize that we have been chosen by God to fill a role in His master plan. We’ve been consecrated for His service. Let’s put on His jersey and get to work!