Which Version of You Do You Like Better?

Apr 14, 2016 | 2 Corinthians, Change, Contentment, Freedom, Fulfillment, Grace, Healing, Inspiration, Mental Health, Personal Growth | 2 comments

Written By Chad Gramling

A new version of Coke was introduced. Nobody liked it. A new version of Pepsi (Crystal Pepsi) was once introduced. I may have been the only person that liked it. Remember when they made a new version of Saved By The Bell called "The New Class" and nobody liked it? For you fellow old school Pro wrestling fans who are with me, you no doubt have also shaken your head any time a classic tag team is reformed as a variation with the word "new" in front of it - the "New Rockers" and the "New Blackjacks" stand out as good examples. With the onset of the Internet age, we've come to grow familiar with terms like "Beta Phase" and version 2.0 to showcase the ever evolving nature of products and software. And no matter what change is made, there are going to be raving fans of the change, and there will be absolute haters. In fact, this might be a hard post for some people to fully consider, because it might be deeply personal.
Let God lead you in being the best version of yourself today

Are you a better version of yourself today than the version of yesterday? Let God lead you to a better version of you.

Just Trying to be a Better Version of Myself Every Day

I have said it. "Just trying to get better and do better every day." I wish I could say that were true. I wish I could say that I improve every day. The reality is, though, I sometimes don't even try. The reality is, though, I am sometimes a terrible version of myself despite my best efforts to go the other way. Why is it that? We're human. We're children of the fall. We let ego, pride, jealousy and a host of other vices determine the direction in which we are steering. Sometimes, we don't even realize we're steering off course.

Let God Lead The Version You Will Be Today

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. - 2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV
Yes, we are children of the fall. Yet, we are new creations in Christ. We are not VARIATIONS like a reformulated Coke, or a wrestling tag team trying to recapture a sliver of nostalgia. And even though our sins have been washed away, we are not a mere novelty like Clear Pepsi. We are complete and total new creations, hand crafted by the loving God who knitted us in the womb. I pray Lord in Heaven, that today, we consider who we once were, who we are today and who you intend - who you have destined - us to be, and then we will set out to pursue that vision to be a better version than our former selves could ever dream. Relentlessly strive to be a better version of you than your former self could ever dream. #Transform Share on X

Written By Chad Gramling

Chad Gramling is a passionate writer, historian, and artist dedicated to exploring the intersections of faith, history, and creativity. Through 1Glories, he shares his unique perspectives and life lessons, inviting readers to join him on a journey of discovery and inspiration.

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2 Comments

  1. Jon Beaty
    Jon Beaty on April 16, 2016 at 9:55 am

    Hi Chad,

    I love your thoughts here.

    First, I relate to the challenge. Complacency is one of our greatest enemies. It can creep up on us quietly. Before we know it, we’re coasting down a road we never intended to be on.

    Second, your theme here aligns with a book I’m writing. The title, “If You’re Not Growing, You’re Dying: 7 Habits for Thriving in Faith, Relationships and Work.”

    We’re designed to thrive. Many people don’t know how, get frustrated and give up. It doesn’t have to be that way. I’m telling my story of struggling with complacency and its effects, and how we can overcome it.

    Praying to become a better version of myself each day.

  2. Chad Gramling
    Chad Gramling on April 16, 2016 at 10:24 am

    Wow… very cool, Jon. I look forward to that book! This post was a bit different from most of mine since it was very off the cuff and not planned as much as the others… in fact, I started it about a year ago with a headline and it has been sitting in drafts ever since! I finally said “gosh darn it, I am going to write this one.” Glad I did and even more glad to know it connected with you. Blessings!

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