1 Timothy 1:12–14 (RSV) — 12 I thank him who has given me strength for this, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful by appointing me to his service, 13 though I formerly blasphemed and persecuted and insulted him; but I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, 14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.
NOTE: Paul certainly understood his unworthiness, but it extends farther than just our actions. We fall so far short of God's standard of righteousness, that we are all blasphemers, persecutors, and sinners. None of us are worthy. Paul says as much in Romans when he quotes an OT verse, "there is no one who does good, not even one." But for those of us who know the Lord and get to serve the Lord, we are incredibly blessed by God's grace. The past and future has been washed clean. We are fully accepted as sons and daughters of the King. And we get to minister in his name. All that I am and all that I have seen accomplished are a testament to God's grace and mercy. I am who I am because of the Lord Jesus Christ. And I am thankful, so very thankful.
PONDER:
- Do I recognize my sinfulness, especially when compared to God's standard?
- Do I fully appreciate all that has been done for me? (That is probably impossible to do.)
PRAYER: Father, thank you. Thank you for your work in my life. Thank you for my salvation. Thank you for being able to serve you these years. Thank you for the impact. Thank you!
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