How many of us felt like royalty when we came to the Lord? Were we not wretches instead? Would we not still be wretched if He had not plucked us from the mire we were in? The answer to the last two questions is obviously yes. But does that mean we exist just beyond wretchedness after receiving grace?  

1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. –ESV  

The first verse obviously described most of us when we came to faith. The very reason most come to faith is because of an awareness of innate wretchedness. Everyone is probably more or less equally wretched, but it is only when crutches are taken away and props are pulled out that we receive a glimpse of our true selves. This draws us to our knees in a cry for mercy.

                            A higher Calling

But though God chooses what society considers the lowest forms of humanity, He is not pleased to leave us that way. And I do not believe He intends for us to exist just a notch above wretchedness. In the verses following verse 26 we can see that God has plans to flow through us in accomplishing what the world is trying to do with their own strength. But we will do it much better by the power of God than the world ever can if we are operating as God intended. 

Our wisdom, power, and nobility is to be of such excellence that the world’s counterfeits look drab in comparison. Are we living up to this calling God has for the church? So often we fall for the lie within the glamor the world flashes. It tells us we are still wretches and losers. At times we forget who we are. We hang our heads and go on the defensive rather than keeping the dignity God has given us, to shine brightly with His light, not swayed by the devil’s lies.

1 Peter 2:9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. –ESV 

                                 Conclusion

Let’s remember these words God has spoken of us. They don’t happen automatically. If we believe the enemy over the Word of God, it won’t happen. We need to believe His words. We need to confess them by faith. Most importantly we need to start walking in them. Though we were wretches when He found us, we are wretches no longer. We are now royalty, called to reign with Him!