Just As I Am?

I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.
[John 17:14 NKJV]

Just as it is? — Topiary tree at Powerscourt, Ireland

Just as I am, without one plea
But that Thy blood was shed for me
And that Thou bid'st me come to Thee
O Lamb of God, I come! I come

Just as I am, though tossed about
With many a conflict, many a doubt
Fighting and fears within without
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am, and waiting not
to rid my soul of one dark blot
to thee whose blood can cleanse each spot
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Just as I am, poor, wretched, blind
Sight, riches, healing of the mind
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find
O Lamb of God, I come, I come!

Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
O Lamb of God, I come, I come

Author: Charlotte Elliott Tune: WOODWORTH

“Just As I Am” is a beautiful hymn, with a poetic appeal that readily holds in the mind — particularly if it was regularly sung at primary school assembly, which is where I first encountered it. Yet something about it always makes me pause and consider.

It may be that the phrase just as I am, can be interpreted in different ways. In the way that Jesus used it in John 17 (Jesus says the expression twice, and it is found only in John 17), but it is really just as I am not, rather than Him saying who He is.

No, I believe that my problem with it — and I am aware of being overly pedantic in this — is that the repetition of just as I am implies that I do not need to change, because Jesus will always accept me just as I am no matter how badly I behave, no matter what the problem. However, there is an element of Victorian complacency here; the idea that I need take no responsibility for my attitudes and behaviour, because Jesus will still save me; all of which stresses ‘me’ instead of ‘Him’.

What I am saying is that this is a song of reassurance, but not necessarily theologically precise. It may be however that it is saying that at whatever place we reach on our walk of faith is just as I am at that time.

For all that, I love the song, and appreciate the comfort it was no doubt intended to give, but I feel - generally - that we should always be careful and aware of what we are singing in praise to Him. Listen for His voice.

Just as He is not of this world, He wants us to be not of this world also, and to hear His heart. Be just as He is.

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“JUST AS I AM” — G Michael Eldridge

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OSWALD CHAMBERS — RUN TODAY’S RACE
Friday 21st August 2020
God is never away off somewhere else; He is always there.

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