You could sense their hesitation as the captains took turns choosing their players. Of course, they’d started with the fastest and strongest, but at this point, we were well past the elite and down to the dregs. No doubt they’d have preferred to stop while ahead, but they were obligated to include everyone in the game. There were always a few of us that got picked last—Len, the fat one, Jeff, the lazy rebel, and geeks like me who were more academically than athletically inclined. The resigned tone of voice when they called our names said it all. This was just a high school P.E. class assembling kickball teams that would only exist for a fleeting 30-40 minutes, but the sense of rejection, of not being good enough, was real.
I finally figured out the way to avoid standing there in shame was to become a team captain. When I did that, I did the picking and choosing, and was spared that pain.
We all want to be accepted. Psychologists who study motivation have long recognized a sense of belonging as a basic human need. When I had my first annual review at my new job over a year ago, I asked my boss, “If you were to leave and you could only take a few people from our organization with you to the next place, would I make the cut?” She replied, “Absolutely.” (This past twelve months were pretty rough, so I didn’t ask at this year’s review!) But knowing that someone thought I was valuable and wanted me on their team meant a great deal. I’m especially grateful that after 38 years, my wife still wants to be on the same team with me!
Where Scripture says, “God so loved the world,” we learn God cast a vote for every one of us. He was in effect delivering the message, “I believe in you. I see such value in you that I am willing to sacrifice my Son to have a relationship with you and for us to spend time together. Not just a little time—not just 30-40 minutes— but your entire life and all eternity! Know I will never, ever, get tired of you. I want you!” God has called everyone’s name, asking them to forsake their sins and join His team. But as Matthew 22:14 attests, “Many are called, but few are chosen.” That’s because not everyone responds with a “yes” and accepts His invitation to forgiveness and relationship.
Even after we’ve made that step and become one of His chosen children, He knocks on the door of our heart desiring the fellowship for which He’s saved us (Revelation 3:20). You are called, accepted in the beloved, chosen to be His child. He continues to call your name, just as He did Samuel’s, because He wants to spend time with you, to have fellowship with you, to hear your thoughts and to share His. What has your answer been lately? If you’ll say, “Yes!” you’ll discover in His presence is fullness of joy; a depth of fulfillment, acceptance, and satisfaction that transcends any substitute.
