Being Who You Are

We often think we need to clean ourselves up before coming to God, but Jesus calls us as we are–dirt and all. When Matthew is called in The Chosen, he is literally sitting in the midst of his muck: his tax office—right in the middle of his ‘sinful’ life. In Season 1, Episode 7, Jesus calls Matthew, despite the voices of judgment and exclusion of those around him. The same story unfolds in Luke 5, where Matthew (Levi) not only follows Jesus but hosts a great banquet to introduce others to the One who welcomed him.

Isaiah 43:1 declares, “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.” God calls you as you are—not as others expect you to be. Romans 8:1 reinforces this truth: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You are not defined by your past, your failures, or your struggles. In Christ, you are free.

Dr. Tim Keller used to say: “God sees us as we are, loves us as we are, and accepts us as we are. But by His grace, He does not leave us as we are.” Acceptance doesn’t mean stagnation; it means stepping into the love and transformation that God offers. He sees beyond our insecurities, mistakes, and self-doubt, calling us into a deeper identity—one shaped by His grace rather than our own limitations.

Are there areas in your life where you struggle to see yourself as God sees you? What would change if you fully embraced the truth that you are already accepted by Him? Bring those barriers before God today and ask Him to reshape your perspective.