I remember the playground where all the kids would huddle together to pick teams. Typically, the team captains were either the most popular or the most athletic kids. The captains would choose players one by one, and with each selection, you’d hope not to be the last one remaining. Being the last pick labeled you as the least desired because it meant you hadn’t proven your value to the playground.

However, that isn’t how it works in God’s economy. In this section of scripture, Paul establishes that everyone stands on equal ground by pointing out that no one is righteous. No one has the right standing before God—regardless of their position, power, prestige, family background, affiliations, memberships, baptisms, strength, or intelligence (Psalm 14:1-3; Psalm 53:1-3). In reality, we are all like the last kid chosen.

When we look in the mirror of God’s word, it begins to deconstruct all that we thought about ourselves and others. One theologian said, “The more I come to know about God, the more I come to know myself; and the more I come to know myself, the more I come to know God.” As I study scripture, I find there is nothing about me that would cause God to choose me (Deuteronomy 7:7-8). I have no reason to shout, “Choose me!” I have no reason to boast. I am like the last kid, staring at the ground.

Simply put, everyone on earth is without excuse; we have all been judged and found wanting. It is only by grace that we have been saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). This revelation highlights just how dire our situation truly is. It would take the work of God in a person’s life to even begin to seek Him.

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, He explained that no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again and that no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit (John 3:1-8; John 1:12-13). The Spirit of God leads us to all truth, convicting us regarding righteousness, sin, and judgment. The Spirit bears witness to both the incarnate Word and the written Word (1 Corinthians 2:14). This is the work of God in the life of man, picking them to be on His team even while we were sinners (Romans 5:8)

Father, after reading this section of scripture, I pray that you would help us to become more sober of our need of you and cleanse us from any self-righteousness. May we cling to you, as you are our righteousness and our reason to boast. Thank you for choosing me to be on your team.