Just The Way I Am

I’m a big planner. I like to anticipate every possible outcome – best and worst case scenario – and prepare accordingly. My closest friends have said I’m too controlling and a worry-wart at times. I do tend to worry a lot. But that’s just me.

I also like being in charge. Part of it is because I think I know what’s best and I don’t really trust that others would be able to do what I can do. Yes, it’s pride and maybe an over-inflated view of myself. But that’s just me.

So what if I get impatient? So what if I get defensive? So is everyone else! We’d probably say these traits are normal. I mean, we’re only human, right? But if our God is holy and he calls us to live lives set apart for him, shouldn’t we strive to be holy as he is holy? Why do we excuse our sin just because it is more acceptable than other sins? Do we not believe that we can and should change and turn from our ways?

“Some things we struggle with seem so natural to us. The devil wants us to believe that how we are has to be how we remain. If you feel like certain stuff is just who you are, then you won’t actually fight it or resist it. You won’t actually think or believe that you can put it to death because you feel like it’s just you. Don’t let the devil lie to you. You are a new creature.” (Jackie Hill Perry)

If Jesus is Lord over your life, you no longer need to define yourself the way the world does. Culture tells us to look at your astrological signs and personality assessments to make sense of your identity. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 tells us that we don’t even belong to ourselves! The Holy Spirit lives through us. He is molding us to be more like Jesus, chiseling away anything that doesn’t bring him glory.

Think back to when you first became a Christian. Remember how eager you were to grasp what Jesus offered you? You would have done anything to follow him because you knew it would be worth it in the end.

Jesus died so you could have a brand new life. Put to death the life you once lived, trusting that the Holy Spirit is giving you the capacity to do so. It will be worth it.

Father, thank you because I don’t have to stay the way I am. I know you’ve called me for a greater purpose, to live a life that truly pleases you and I admit, there are parts of my life that don’t bring you glory. Forgive me, Lord. Cleanse me from my unrighteousness. Make me more like Jesus today. Holy Spirit, make me holy. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Additional Resource: Completely His