"But because God was/is so gracious, so very gracious, here I am. And I'm not about to let His grace go to waste." 1 Cor. 15:10, The Message.
Today, this very morning, here I am-but which me am I? I am the authentic self Jesus is conforming me to be. But, I am also (at times) the apparent self-the self I create myself to look like to others. On any given day, I am in a wrestling match with myself. Who will I be today? Will authentic self or apparent self win?
Authentic self lives in the depths of loving grace! Authentic self believes the message of the gospel of grace every day. King David put this wrestling match in perspective. "Generous in love--God, give grace! Huge in mercy-wipe out my bad record. Scrub away my guilt, soak out my sins in your laundry. I know how bad I've been: my sins are staring me down.
You're the one I've violated, and you've seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you: whatever you decide about me (both the authentic and apparent me) is fair. I've been out of step (that is the wrestling match between authentic and apparent self) with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born.
What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then, conceive a new, true life." Psalm 51:1-3, The message. Jesus graces His disciples to take up their cross (apparent self) daily and follow Him in authenticity. The grace of our daily cross empowers us to live out of our authentic self. In that grace we live out of the heart Jesus gives us.
Apparent self lives in the illusion, tyranny, facades, and religious masks that he believes others expect. He is stuck in his history and unable to enjoy the present grace available to live liberated; past, present and future. He places his destiny and faith in the gospel of religious works.
Truth is the reality that lays (lies) behind appearances. His only hope is what King David found out: 'surely you desire truth (authenticity) in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.' Apparent self will never be free or fulfilled in his identity: unable to be naked in authenticity before God, himself or others. He will always be needing the cover up of Adam and Eve-hiding behind the 'trees' of others expectations.
Bottom line; everything a man thinks he is or what he has done-doesn't hold a candle to what he can become! By the grace of God I am what I am and I'm not about to let his grace go to waste. Don't let His grace go to waste today by living out of apparent self. Live in authenticity and you will become who God has destined you be-abundantly alive!
Ron Ross
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