“I am what I am” is a personal statement of fact pointing to the gracious intent of God for my life. Yes, “I am what I am,” but I am not therefore free to remain as “I am.” There is no virtue in stubbornness, nor may I falsely spiritualize my resistance to change with “I am what I am” which may be code for “I refuse to listen, remain, open, or change in any way.” Paul’s five-word declaration is not an excuse for bad behavior. “What I am” must evolve with my grasp of God’s grace as the apostle explained...
“But by the grace of God I am what I am.”
“I am what I am” is not a rationalization for poor performance. Rather, when coupled with the grace of God, “I am what I am” is the power to become what I ought to be. These words acknowledge the reason for my excellence, if there is any, and the need for change, as there will always be.
“I am what I am” is a sacred song offered in gratitude for a job well done, and the next job waiting to be well done. The declaration points to Jesus, who alone is the Source and the Power for the good behavior He expects of me.
“I am what I am” is a sacred song offered in gratitude for a job well done, and the next job waiting to be well done. The declaration points to Jesus, who alone is the Source and the Power for the good behavior He expects of me.
Far from the weak defense of a sloppy and undisciplined Christian life, “I am what I am” brings out the best of “what I am” by the astonishingly effective “grace of God” at work in me.
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I found this wonderful illustration by "RJ" at the website for Bethel Church Association, Mission House in North Bihar, India but I was unable to locate any credits to the artist. It speaks to me of my two-fold calling to go into the world and run to Jesus.
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WHen I was prone to adding one of those comments or quotes after my signature on an email message I added this "Lord help me to have a good day and to remember that as I walk through this life, if I can not imporve someone elses walk, that I can least avoid making it worse." Once you begin to understand that just being who you are has the ability to "give Jesus a good rap or a bad one" you have to also take responsibility with that understanding. I may be who I am, but I try to walk like who I want to be.
YBIC
Larry
Well said “one sided”
It goes along with my thoughts as well. I think this goes back to something else to. I can hear the underlining of not leading other to sin by your actions in this one. People are always watching and trying to make up their own minds if God is real or for them. In the church I’m going to down here in Sonora, Ca we are talking about being ambassadors for Christ and what that really means. It has helped me understand my role in using God at the for front of everything I do and why that is so important. I’m not great at it yet and I’m sure it will take me some time to figure it out fully. But God forgives us and uses us in ways we don’t understand, so I believe as long as God is at the for front of our lives He will use that EVERY time.
Love you Bro, Danny
Good words, Danny. God is good. I too am glad for His forgiveness.
Dave
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