"As Is, Where Is"

"As is, where is," is a term used at auctions. It means that when you bid on an item and make the winning bid, it's yours "as it now is, where it is now."

Life is a lot like that.

We must take it as it is now, where we are now. We are not given the option of refusing to accept it until it is changed to our liking.

   It is apparent that the Apostle Paul understood this concept when he wrote in Philippians 4:11,

"Not that I speak from want; for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am. I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having an abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me."

   There are many things which happen about which we have nothing to say. We had no voice in deciding when we were born, the family into which we were born, or the social, cultural and economic status of that family. There are many things which we have little control over: how others treat us, what kind of diseases we will contract, our length of life, etc.

   Since we exert so little control over such external things, we must learn to accept life "as is, where is." This is what produces contentment. Not that we wouldn't like it to be different. Not that we shouldn't try to improve our lot in life. It is accepting our present circumstances for now.

   When we accept ourselves "as we are, where we are," we are able

to face today, and gain strength to change things for tomorrow.