Taking a personality test can be enlightening. It can give some understanding to why we think or act the way we do. In a sense, it can seem to validate why we are the way we are.
Have you ever made the excuse, “That’s just the way I am!”? We tend to use it when we want to brush off undesirable behavior rather than deal with it and make a positive change.
In a perfect world, the best of each personality type would be present. Sin, however, has made that ideal unrealistic. Each person is created by God in his image and so receives value and love from him. Does this mean he accepts the sinful ways in which we express ourselves? No. In fact, he desires that we set them right according to his standards. “God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance” (Romans 2:4b ESV).
We cannot do that completely on our own. People can make positive changes in how they act, but if they are not free from the bondage of sin, they will never completely change. Only through Jesus is that possible. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).
God does not want us to use our human shortcomings as excuses to not obey him.
When Moses was called by God to be the leader of the Israelites, Moses was quick to toss a few what-ifs to God. Then, Moses threw the that’s-just-the-way-I-am excuse as a final plea to not obey God. “But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” Then the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else”” (Exodus 4:10-14 ESV). God graciously allowed Aaron to be the spokesman for Moses.
What excuses do we find ourselves making?
Do we let fear overtake us with the what-ifs related to our perceived inadequacy? Or, do we jump ahead of God’s lead with a go-getter mindset?
In everyday moments, do we allow less-than-encouraging words to spill out because “that’s just the way we are?” We might excuse our unkindness because we have hurt feelings or we feel justified in our stance or we are self-focused. Memorizing and meditating on 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 can help us with this.
As Christ followers, let’s choose to look intently at him, learn his ways, and allow his transforming power to grow us godliness for God’s glory. No excuses.
Be “confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6 NIV, letter C in Keep on Track).
Use one of the Heart Training Bible verse study and memory books to be transformed by the renewing of your mind.