A Directional Change

There are many important questions we must answer during our lifetime. One such question is this: how do I see myself? Our self image can make all the difference in the world. I think most people see themselves as unloveable, not enough, ugly, or a failure. Others are more arrogant and boastful, putting forth a prideful image. Setting themselves up as being far superior to others. Most people don’t see themselves as a sinner. This image is uncomfortable for many. Even some followers of Jesus are uncomfortable with it. But it’s an important image to acknowledge. It’s the image that leads us to Jesus.

The apostle Paul, the same guy who is responsible for writing a large portion of the New Testament, wrote that he is the worst of sinners. Paul is reflecting on his life as a Jewish religious leader. He admits he was “once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man” (1 Timothy 1:12). I have said that this is a topic I would love to debate with him. Why? Because I see myself in these words. I could stand next to Paul and claim this image for myself. My years of drinking were an open rebellion against God. Not that I didn’t believe in God, but I was breaking a huge amount of His commands. I was living for myself and not God. I basically put God on a shelf in the closet and closed the door. This image can be good or bad, depending on what we do with it. It’s important to continue reading Paul’s words regarding this image.

“But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). One important word in this verse is “mercy.” Paul says he was shown mercy. Mercy is the act of showing kindness, pity, or forgiveness to someone you have the power to harm or punish. Paul’s life changed when he met Jesus on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19). In this moment Paul experienced God’s mercy. He knew God could and should have punished him. Instead, God showed kindness toward Paul and forgave him for being the worst of sinners. Paul tells us that it was all to display God’s patience and to be an example for those who would believe in God and receive eternal life. Paul isn’t boasting about his sinfulness, he’s boasting about God’s mercy and the saving grace of Jesus.

This is a place we need to find ourselves. Seeing our sinfulness and accepting Jesus as our Savior. Yes, I am the worst of sinners, but God was patient with me. God extended His mercy to me, and through His mercy I was received into His family. I was spared the punishment I deserved. All to display God’s patience toward humanity, and as an example for those who will believe in Him and receive eternal life. So, our self-image matters. When we see our sinfulness, we see our need for a Savior. When we accept God’s mercy, a Savior, Jesus, bursts onto the scene, and that changes everything.