By the Grace of God I Am What I Am

Paul's declaration in 1 Corinthians 15:10 cuts against four common delusions about human identity. First, some regard themselves as mere products of natural causes—biology determining destiny. Second, others credit social and civil influences alone, attributing their character entirely to the times and institutions surrounding them. Third, men of strong individuality and power often ascribe their whole achievement to themselves, their own skill and efficiency. Fourth, the truly Christian man recognizes God's superintending power working through all these means—family, circumstance, and personal ability alike.

Consider your personal history. A devout man cannot calmly examine the circumstances of his life without feeling guided by wisdom greater than his own. The family becomes the grand starting place: parents faithful in their engineering for your sake, or conversely, a child who grows to honour and piety despite evil parental influence—such a man is indeed a miracle of grace (charis). Beyond parents, God raises up others—a brother, sister, aunt, a labourer in your neighbourhood, a holy nurse, a young associate—whose service stands connected to the safety of your entire after-life. Yet memory also recalls malign influences: the schoolmate or shopmate whose counsel nearly led you astray. That you escaped such snares, that golden threads wound by a mother's hand never broke entirely—this testifies to Elohim's grace working where human will alone could not prevail.