Are We Wretched?

Too many Christians put themselves down thinking they’re being humble. I’ve heard believers say they are “a sinner saved by grace.” Some may recite the “Wayne’s World” mantra “We’re not worthy!” Statements like these degrade what God created them to be.

Nevertheless, I’ve seen the above meme circulating that compares Joel Osteen to the Apostle Paul. The statements by the Lakewood Church pastor are from his book “The Power of I Am: Two Words That Will Change Your Life Today.” The meme implies it’s wrong for Christians to make positive declarations about themselves. Yet Proverbs 18:21 says, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” What we speak can affect our lives (and others) for good or bad. 

Let’s compare Joel’s affirmations to what the Bible says:

I AM PROSPEROUS. Psalm 35:27 says, “Let them shout for joy and be glad, Who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, ‘Let the LORD be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.’” I’m thankful He doesn’t take pleasure in my poverty.

I AM SUCCESSFUL. Joshua 1:8 says, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

I AM TALENTED. The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 describes God rewarding those who are faithful with the resources He has entrusted to them. In Bible times, a talent was a unit of currency. The parable could also apply to giftings and skills He has given us.

I AM HEALTHY.  3 John 2 says, “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers.”

I AM POSITIVE. God doesn’t want us to have a negative mindset. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

I AM BEAUTIFUL. Psalm 139:14 says, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

Paul calling himself “wretched” in Romans chapter 7 needs to be read in context. The apostle wrote about his fleshly struggles but then mentions the solution in verses 24 and 25: “Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!” He goes on to say in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”

Look at these other statements Paul wrote:

“Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.” - 2 Corinthians 7:4

“in whom [Christ Jesus] we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.” - Ephesians 3:12

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.” - Ephesians 6:10

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13

One minister named Todd Friel has a talk show called “Wretched Radio.” I won’t listen to it since the host is a cessationist who’s critical of Christians he disagrees with (including Joel Osteen). The title of the show is a turnoff to me. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary gives the following definitions for “wretched”:

• deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind
• extremely or deplorably bad or distressing
• being or appearing mean, miserable, or contemptible
• very poor in quality or ability : INFERIOR

As stated in the hymn “Amazing Grace," we were wretches before coming to Christ. Now we are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39). So let’s stop thinking the worst about ourselves. God created man to be winners.

“Let the weak say, ‘I am strong.’” - Joel 3:10