In daily life, many people respond to advice or correction by saying, “I am like that.”
It sounds simple, but often this phrase becomes an inner barrier that prevents growth.
It is a safe place people use to avoid change and to justify attitudes that hurt, limit, or block God’s blessings.
Yet according to the Bible, God never called anyone to remain as they were. He accepts us as we come, but He desires to transform us so we can reflect Christ more and more.
Scripture is clear: following Jesus involves change.
Paul says,
“Put off the old self… and put on the new self.”(Ephesians 4:22–24)
This means that our natural character — anger, harshness, impulsiveness, pride, bitterness — is not an identity to protect but a nature to surrender. Saying “I am like that” is often holding onto what God wants us to let go.
The Bible also teaches that rejecting correction is not a sign of strength, but immaturity.
“Whoever hates correction is stupid.”(Proverbs 12:1)
Strong words, but they reveal a powerful truth: refusing advice does not protect our identity; it exposes a heart that rejects wisdom. And the consequence is serious:
“Poverty and shame come to those who ignore correction.”(Proverbs 13:18)
Some doors never open simply because a person refuses to change.
True spiritual maturity is shown by the willingness to listen.
“Correct the wise and he will love you… teach the righteous and he will grow even more.”(Proverbs 9:8–9)
Those who grow are those who see correction as an opportunity and advice as a step upward.
Jesus Himself demonstrated perfect balance between love and truth.
To the woman caught in adultery, He said:
“Go, and sin no more.” (John 8:11)
He welcomed her in mercy but called her into transformation.
No weakness, no temperament, no habit is a valid excuse to stay the same. If we belong to Christ, we are called to change.
Paul adds:
“We are being transformed from glory to glory.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
Transformation is not instant, but it is continuous for those who open their hearts.
It begins when we stop saying “That’s who I am” and start saying, “Lord, make me like You.”
That is why the Bible declares:
“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)
Our true identity is not who we used to be, but who God is shaping us to become.
In reality, the phrase “I am like that” closes the door to growth, maturity, wisdom and even to certain blessings. God loves us as we are, but He loves us too much to leave us as we are. A true disciple does not defend his old nature—he yields to God so He can shape him.
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, open my eyes to everything I have justified.
Break every hardness in me that resists correction.
Give me a humble heart, ready to listen and to change.
Transform my character through Your Spirit and make me more like You each day.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA