Just As He Is

^“ Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat.” Mark 4:36

Most Southern Baptists worth their salt know at least four verses of “Just As I Am” by heart (and have for as long as they can remember), for no summer revival service was complete without the magnificent, musical reminder that when we come to Jesus, we come just as we are—without one plea, waiting not, tossed about, and poor, wretched, blind. 

Denominational generalizations aside, this truth is astounding and assuring to all Christians, but it’s also reciprocal.  Jesus takes us just as we are, and we take Him just as He is.  Though this concept isn’t often considered, it’s worth more than a few passing thoughts.

We take Jesus just as He is.  That’s what the disciples did at the end of a busy day when He got into a boat.  “Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat”(Mk 4:36).  Mark doesn’t detail what Jesus was, and he doesn’t elaborate on what the disciples wished Jesus would be; he simply states that they received Him in His current condition without hesitation.  

We are wise to do the same.  We really have no other option, for our flimsy whims can never alter an immutable God, but, oh, the time we waste trying.  When His Word makes us squirm, we doubt His demands are quite so stringent.  When His precepts pressure our pleasures, we suggest His guidelines give way to our ways.  When His grace irritates our arrogance, we doubt His generosity.  When His justice causes discomfort, we propose He lessen the penalties, and when His sovereignty allows suffering, we worry His goodness has gone bad.

We try to shape God’s character to our inclinations, but our preferences can never increase His perfection.  God is not our invention; we are His creation, and the difference is profound.  God cannot be changed and will not be changed for He is flawless.  He is wholly holy, unconditionally just, and absolutely sovereign, and no amount of earnest, earthly wishes will modify the Maker of the universe even one small smidgen.

Instead of causing us frustration, this forever fact should bring us deep delight and great relief. We are neither requested nor required to justify God’s actions; we are called to trust His affections and exalt His attributes.  And we shouldn’t squander another moment trying to make God something He is not and never will be.  We might think our ideas our good, but God doesn’t need an upgrade.

Rejoice that Jesus takes you just as you are, and let Him change you a lot.

Revel in taking Him just as He is, and don’t try to change Him a little.

A different God could never be better.