A few years ago, I served as editor for a booklet of Advent devotions. A number of those devotions were featured here on this blog also, in December 2015. As a thought on Christmas for this year, here's a message from that booklet as a reminder of why Christ came into this world. My thanks to Emily Seeber for providing this holiday blog installment. Christmas blessings to all Electric Gospel readers.
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A Savior for All the Worst Sinners
by Emily Seeber
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners--of whom I am the worst.
- 1 Timothy 1:15
“At church would
you rather sit next to a visitor who had received a speeding ticket or a
recently released felon?” That’s a
rather awakening question for many of us as we evaluate ourselves. Society
gives levels to crimes, such as warning, misdemeanor, and felony. Unfortunately, our sinful natures like to do
the same. We try to build ourselves up and convince ourselves that we are
pretty good (or at least better than most).
However,
sometimes we need to remind ourselves, “Does God assign levels to sins?” Even
to think of it that way misses the point of God’s law. A single sin damns a
person to hell; we are all equal. God’s law reminds us that our comparison
isn’t between us and others but rather between us and God. We will never measure up. All must say with Paul, “I am the worst.”
But
all of us “worst” sinners” have a trustworthy assurance from God, “Christ came
into the world to save sinners.” God looked at this sin-ridden world and said,
“Yes, you are the worst, but I love you. Here is my Son.” Through Christ’s
sacrifice, we are a new creation. No longer slaves to sin but children of God:
forgiven and blameless in God’s sight. Together let us share this message
throughout all creation, “We are all the worst of sinners, but God didn’t leave
us. In fact, he saved us.”
Questions to ponder:
- When are times that you feel most tempted to compare yourself to others?
- What would be ways to show love rather than judgment in such situations?
Prayer:
Dear Lord, I thank you and praise
you for the gift of your Son, Jesus. Please forgive me for those times when I
act in judgment rather than love. Please help me to remember that I am equal to
everyone around me when I am tempted to consider myself better. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
