“Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15 NIV)
Of course Apostle Paul wrote this text and I can picture him reliving his treacherous past as he put pen to paper, perhaps a few tears escaped as his emotions resurfaced. Paul could probably could retrieve every stoning he presided over, every accusation he had made. He was likely attune with the still-dark places in his soul, the fleshy pockets that longed for affluence, power and position. He would have been well-aware of his unchristian thoughts toward his fellow man and his mental departures from godly values. Stark memory and acute consciousness likely led him to write this alarming yet infamous scripture.
But before we throw stones, remember that we read this text in the first person: “Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.” I believe this personal application is still accurate – we are the worst sinner we know. Why? Because we know! We may think we have an inkling of another person’s inner workings or the tally of their spiritual ledger, but all we really have is a glimpse of them. Their actions don’t tell the whole story any more than ours do. But us? We know the thoughts and habits and hangups. We are painfully aware of our dire need for more grace. If He can love and forgive us – with all we know about our sin nature – He can love and forgive anyone.
“He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but for the whole world.” (1 John 2:2 NIV)
We can’t afford to forget our ‘sinner’ nature as we go out into all the world. We are chief sinners. It’s funny, I can remember my dad quoting the KJV often. “Of sinners, I am chief.” And having gone through his personal effects after his passing, I know he believed it about himself. But I also so clearly recall the great peace that pervaded his ICU room as he let go of this life and grabbed hold of the next. My dad didn’t pretend he was holy. He openly admitted to his struggle with sin and he received clemency as urgently as a drowning man snatches a life preserver.
If we can be honest about the sin in our lives, in our hears and minds, we can receive God’s grace with humility and gratitude. We can rejoice in each and every opportunity to be remade into His image. And we can offer the gift of the salvation we’ve received to every person we come in contact with.
“Whoever conceals their sin does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13 NIV)
Lord, give us the courage to confront our sin nature. We realize today that we are the worst sinner we know. Thank You for grace in advance of our need, grace before we took first breath. We receive it as a lifeline, a ring of hope in a sea of despair. We are humbled by Your extravagant sacrifice on our behalf. May we share Your gift with others as often as humanly possible. Amen.