If you're not that person, don't be that person

How do we self-identify?

Are we meek, weak, neat, sleek, bleak, or a treat?

Paul, even though he wrote about two-thirds of the New Testament, claimed that he was less than the least of all believers, Ephesians 3:8 chief of sinners, 1 Timothy 1:15 and didn't deserve to be called an apostle because he persecuted the Church. 1 Corinthians 15:9

But Paul also self-identified as a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the non-Jews, 2 Timothy 1:11 had visions and revelations from the Lord, 2 Corinthians 12:1-4 and was a spiritual father to at least one congregation of believers. 1 Corinthians 4:15

The Lord Jesus Christ, the Word of God, John 1:1; Revelation 19:13

God manifest in the flesh, Matthew 1:21-23; John 1:14; Phillipians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:9

the exact representation of God the Father, Hebrews 1:3

one with the Father, John 10:30 Who when you saw Jesus, you saw the Father, John 12:45; 14:8-9

the Lamb of God Who took away the sin of the world, John 1:29

the King of kings and Lord of lords, Revelation 19:16

Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last, Revelation 1:8; 22:13

the Savior of the world John 4:40-42; 1 John 4:14

the bread of life, John 6:35

Who said that He was the only way to the Father, the truth, and the life, John 14:6

also stated that He was among people as a servant. Luke 22:27

Jesus came not to be served to but to serve and give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:45

As Lord and Master, He set an example by taking the lowest position as a servant to wash His disciples feet John 13:12-15 and then after His resurrection, cooked and served them bread and fish. John 21:9-14

Jesus also self-identified as gentle and humble in heart. Matthew 11:29

If as spiritual people we're trying to mature to be different and better, we may look back on our past. 1 Peter 4:3

Hopefully, we can pray, "Thank you, Father, that I'm not that person now."

Sometimes, does pride get in the way of such reflection?

For example, do we pray, "Lord, I thank You that I'm not like others." Luke 18:11-12

Or do we measure and compare ourselves among ourselves, which Paul wrote would be unwise? 2 Corinthians 10:12

Wouldn't it be better to have the testimony of our conscience 2 Corinthians 1:12 and what others see and hear about us 2 Corinthians 12:6 be that we've been changed?

Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

So, if we used to be persons of unclean lips living among people of unclean lips Isaiah 6:5 and have struggled to get out of it, 2 Corinthians 6:17 let's receive the forgiveness, cleansing, and salvation from the Lord Jesus Christ.

You are already clean because of the word which I [Jesus] have spoken to you. John 15:3

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2

Let's NOT continue in sin but be new creations who walk in newness of spirit. Romans 6:1-4; 2 Corinthians 5:17

If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:25

We may not always achieve it, but why not believe for ourselves what the Bible says?

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their own sinful selves. They have given up their old selfish feelings and the evil things they wanted to do. Galatians 5:24

Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal: "The Lord knows those who are His;" and, "Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to keep away from wickedness." 2 Timothy 2:19

Let's have spiritual fruits fitting for followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. Galatians 5:22-23; Ephesians 5:8-10; Titus 3:8

Your thoughts?

R. Jason