March 27: Oh Good Gracious
1 Corinthians 15:1–11
“By the grace of God I am what I am” (1 Cor. 15:10). These humble words from the Apostle Paul are startling. For many, humility is a difficult virtue. It’s one that countless among us must work on every day. Paul had it figured out. His answer is quite simple: I am what I am because God is gracious.
Just prior to speaking this humble phrase, Paul said, “For I am the least of the apostles, not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God” (1 Cor. 15:9). Paul understood that he had done wrong by Christ and believers. And he recognized that he was able to rely on it—not as a burden of guilt to carry—as a reminder that all he has is a gift from God. This is what kept him humble.
I have found the best way to remind myself of the need for humility—and to try to live it—is to regularly speak about my past. I certainly have not mastered this, but I have found it works when I practice it. So, here it goes: due to two seizures I had when I was a kid, both of which should have killed me, I had a severe speech impediment until age eight. I was the kid who couldn't speak well, at all, and who God used anyway. God chose to help me when I didn’t deserve it, and I still don’t deserve it. That grace is unmerited. Why me, when so many others need the help?
The very nature of speaking is a reminder to me both of what God has called me to do and of how little I deserve it (if only I remembered that every time I speak). So while I share this story often, it’s certainly not often enough. Like Paul, I must regularly say, “By the grace of God I am what I am.” Like Paul, we must all say regularly, “By the grace of God we are what we are.” For none of us deserves the life we have, but God graciously sent us salvation in Jesus.
How can you show more humility and, in doing so, show how great God’s grace is in your life?
JOHN D. BARRY
John D. Barry and Rebecca Kruyswijk, Connect the Testaments: A Daily Devotional (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2012).
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