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I Am What I Am

In 1 Corinthians Chapter 15, Paul is reminding the Corinthian church of the Gospel message that he first brought to them. He is speaking of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. He then tells of Christ’s numerous appearances to the Apostles, last of which was Paul himself. Paul’s words in verse 10 really struck me today as I was reading and I felt compelled to write about what he says.

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. 1 Corinthians 15:10

God’s grace doesn’t just save us (Ephesians 2:8,9). God’s grace apportions gifts (Ephesians 4:7), strengthens us (Hebrews 13:9), and is sufficient for all we need
(2 Corinthians 12:9).

Paul gives a wonderful picture of what God’s grace means to him. It has made him the man that he is. When I think about this, it becomes a very impacting statement. God’s grace has made me exactly the way I am. Each unique gift and ability and even every quirk and struggle. His grace has made me physically, mentally, and spiritually what I am today. There is no aspect of who I am that has not been overseen by my gracious Heavenly Father. It’s a convicting thought when I consider its full impact. It is God’s grace that there is so much about me that needs work. How else could God be glorified in my life if the new heart He put within me was not changing my attitudes and actions? It is His grace that allows sickness, trials, persecutions, and suffering to come my way. Stop and think about this. If you don’t believe me, look in 1 Peter 2:19,20, Philippians 1:29,30, and James 1:2-4. It is God’s grace that brings suffering and trials. We ought to respond with joy and the peace that surpasses understanding because we know that through everything God is working for our good. It grieves me to think that so few Christians are growing in this truth. Today more than ever, we need to embrace this truth and live it, by the grace of God.

What struck me even more from verse 10 was the next thing Paul says: “and his grace toward me was not in vain.” Is God’s grace toward me in vain? What am I doing on a daily basis to live out my understanding of what God’s grace means to me? Am I straining on towards the goal of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus? Am I struggling with all of Christ’s energy that has been given to me? Or am I just trotting along on cruise control waiting for the end? Honestly, sometimes I regrettably say that it is the last illustration. When I think about it, I can almost hear the Apostles saying “Brother, this ought not be!” Thanks be to God that His grace allows me to rise back up, refocus, and begin running anew with abandon to Jesus Christ.

Ultimately, God’s grace is never in vain because He will bring many sons to glory through Jesus Christ. I rejoice in this truth and marvel at our Father’s goodness and faithfulness.

Has grace taken on this meaning in your life? Do you feel great joy when you think of how gracious God has been towards you? Does that joy compel you to obediently surrender your entire life for the sake of Jesus Christ? That’s what a true understanding of grace should bring about. If we understand God’s grace, we see that it is a grace that spared no expense by our Creator and Savior. It is a grace that gave up everything freely out of love for us. Let us bring glory to God by giving it all up for Him as true disciples of Jesus Christ.

May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.
2 Thessalonians 3:5

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