- Just Who Are You?
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. – 1 Corinthians 15:10
Perhaps some will remember the old comic strip Popeye. He was a strangely muscular sailor with a girlfriend named Olive Oyl and a friend, Wimpy. Whenever he would find himself in a difficult situation, he would tell the others that “I Yams what I Yam!” Do you know who you are?
In today’s verse, the Apostle Paul says it is by the grace of God that he is who he is. Theologian Charles Haddon Spurgeon said the “hallmark” of a child of God is established by God’s grace. “‘By the grace of God’ we not only are what we are, but we also remain what we are. We should long ago have ruined ourselves, and damned ourselves, if Christ had not kept us by his almighty grace.” Bruce Howell, a pastor and missions director, reminds you that you are not what you used to be, you are not what you ought to be, and you are not what you hope to be, but who you are is according to your reliance upon the grace of God in your life.
Oswald Chambers wrote, “There is only one relationship that matters, and that is your personal relationship to a personal Redeemer and Lord. Let everything else go, but maintain that at all costs, and God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purpose, and yours may be that life.”
When you understand all that you are in Christ because of the grace of God, it makes serving Him not only easier but urgent. It is the Lord who gives you strength to do all things (Philippians 4:13). Pray for Christian members of the incoming administration to rely on God’s strength to be who He has called them to be through His grace, and to be quick to acknowledge Him as their source.
Today’s Verse: 1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Philippians 4:4-9
4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. 9 What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
