Many are called but few are chosen says Jesus in Matthew 22:14. We are all called by Christ to follow His example but few truly do.Here's one example:
"And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?
18 And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God.
19 Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother.
20 And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth.
21 Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.
22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.
23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." (Mark 10:17-25)
Some would rather horde their wealth and revel in the comforts of the flesh and material world than follow Jesus down a path of sacrifice and the burdens of meeting hate with love, many say "Praise the Lord and pass the ammo" rather than turning the other cheek.
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
21 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also." (Matthew 6:19-21)
Jesus is saying the treasures we should prize are kept in Heaven so to speak, these are things we can take with us; sweet memories with family, friends, your children and spouse. Accomplishments like destroying your enemies by making them your friends as Lincoln said he did. Or mending a broken heart or relationship. Being kind to those less fortunate or being kind to those who need it the most; the unkind or even spiteful amongst us who may have never known kindness in their lives are things we can do to build up such treasures in Heaven.
Memories of love, laughter and generosity both given and received are things we can take with us. They are the treasures we can store in Heaven.
It is striking to me that the most ardent of the Saviors supporter who reject Darwinism in terms of evolution are often the most vocal in their support of social Darwinism. But if that were applied to humans as it is in the Animal Kingdom then there would be no such thing as the field of medicine. Those who get sick or ill would simply die. Yet humans are not like that in fact we are one of the only species that tends to the sick and afflicted.
Darwinism represents the way of the world; enjoyment of the flesh and material world with no thought toward the benefit of others. It is a "He who has the most toys wins" philosophy.
Christianity by contrast says "So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen." (Matthew 20:16)
"And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant." (Matthew 20:27)
The idea of those who are considered last place in our society being placed before those we consider deserving of first place is completely counter to our sensibilities. Just as the idea of our King(or President/Prime Minister) being a servant also runs counter to the way our society orders itself.
Jesus set the example this is why He is called by some "The Servant King" it is also seen in the symbolism to a degree of Christ being called "The Lamb Of God."
Not the mighty, awe-inspiring Lion of God but the Lamb of God, "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them." (Isaiah 11:6)
"Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the Earth" Jesus says in scripture.
Jesus was meek and mild and he went to His cross like a lamb to slaughter, gently and peaceably. He ransomed Himself for the freedom, the salvation of us all. He is our Lord but He sacrificed for us. He served us all, He served and tended to all He met. Yet by rights He should have been served by us but instead He asks only that we act in His stead. That we talk to others, that we treat others as He would that all may know, may feel and personally experience His love.
"A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)
"He that findeth his life shall lose it: and he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 10:39)
We must give up not only worldly comforts and pleasures we must give up any path that does not parallel the path Jesus walked.
The message and ideals of Jesus run completely counter to the ways of the world.
I hope this makes a little bit of sense as I have a tendency to ramble. So let's close with a prayer, one you may be unfamiliar with.
It's a personal prayer from Christ:
"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen."
The Kingdom will come when we realize it has been within us all along and we extend the love and forgiveness Christ extended to us toward each other we will be transformed into something more than just good Mormons or Christians but we can be like Christ or Christ-Like. We receive forgiveness when we extend forgiveness, we receive love without conditions when we extend love without conditions. You will be chosen when you choose to follow that path Christ tread.
