I am what I am.

I am what I am and I can’t change! Have you ever heard someone say this? Have you ever said it yourself? I know that I have. Sometimes it seems as though it is impossible to change. There are some personality traits that simply have always been with us and it seems as though they always will be. The fact is though, that we can change. If you have obeyed the gospel, you most likely have already changed. Think about it. Are you really the same person you were?

I’m certainly not saying that you’re who you wish to be. I know I’m not. I still struggle with my temper and many other areas of my life. But I’m better than I was a little over 19 years ago and one day by God’s grace and help, I’ll be even better.

The problem for a believer who says “I am what I am”, is that he’s not taking what God’s Word says into consideration. Two Scriptures come to mind immediately; Romans 12:2 and 2 Corinthians 5:17.

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. (Romans 12:2 NKJV)

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV)

There are certainly more portions of Scripture than these, but these two make it very clear that God says we can change. The problem usually comes the same way most problems come; we try to do the changing on our own. God expects us to be willing to change but He doesn’t expect us to do it by ourselves. He knows we cannot! However, we can change when we allow Him to help us. I think sometimes we forget that the only true, wise and living God, lives with in us! He will empower us to change.

That doesn’t mean there wont be times of frustration and stumbling. Let’s be real. We are still human and we’re going to make mistakes and do and say things we shouldn’t. Just remember 1 John 1:9 and get back up and start swinging again.

Let’s also remember Philippians 2:5-8:

⁵ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. (NKJV)

This is our goal in my opinion. To become so like Christ, that we can voluntarily humble ourselves to the role of servant to others. In other words we are to put others first. Even those who despitefully use us. I’m a long ways from being there personally, but by His grace and strength, I’m getting closer.