"But by the grace of God I am what I am,
and His grace toward me was not in vain;
but I laboured more abundantly than they all,
yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."
1 Corinthians 15:10
The man gave his testimony at a Christian gathering. He said, "I used to boast of being a self-made man. I was proud of my houses, cars, and all my wealth. I had known what it was to be poor. My wealth was gained through several illegal ventures. After being arrested and convicted for many crimes, I was facing a long prison sentence. Bitter and resentful was my attitude. A prison chaplain introduced me to the grace of God in Christ. Thank God I was released on probation, and now I'm a free man, also by the grace of God. I can truly say with the apostle Paul, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am."
The apostle Paul knew that he was saved by grace alone (Ephesians 2:8-10). More than that, he fully realized that the ministry God was doing through him was by the grace of God. He truly knew that what he was could be summarized by God's grace alone. Grace is most often defined as the unmerited favor of God. It was the grace of God that filled him with strength and zeal to serve Jesus Christ. He labored abundantly through God's grace given to him.
Foolish pride will boast and say, "I'm a self-made man." Humility readily admits, "But by the grace of God, I am what I am." All of life is by the grace of God. Common grace gives rain on the just and unjust with fruitful seasons. Every provision man has is by God's grace alone. God saves us from the law of sin and death by grace alone. God works in and through us to do His will by grace alone. We are sustained through the hard times by God's grace alone. Life itself is by the grace of God.
Prayer: God of all grace, receive our thanksgiving and praise for such amazing grace, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
