People are better equipped to accept themselves as they are and achieve more in life when they have a good understanding of their own strengths and flaws. The individual who said, "I'm only someone, but I am someone," can be related to by them. I can accomplish something, yet I can't do everything.
The apostle Paul was aware of his shortcomings, yet he took the resources that God had given him and put them to good use. His sense of self-worth was founded on God's acceptance of him through Christ. Despite carrying the terrible memory of having persecuted the church, God's love allowed him to maintain his apostleship (1 Cor. 15:9; 1 Tim. 1:13–15).
Paul didn't have a negative self-perception when he referred to himself as the "least of the apostles," and he wasn't moved to state in 1 Corinthians 15:9 that he was "not worthy to be called an apostle" by a false humility. When he said that he "labored more abundantly" than all of the other apostles (v.10), it wasn't out of excessive pride either. He was only emphasizing the effectiveness of God's grace while acknowledging his own human frailties. He was aware that his forgiveness enabled him to serve God.
We shall be able to say, "By the grace of God I am what I am," if we put our faith in Jesus as Savior and Lord and are sincere with ourselves. That demonstrates mature self-acceptance.
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