1 Timothy 1:1-17

Be Still: Father, thank you for this new day that I get to spend with you. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit as I open up your Word. Amen

Read: 1 Timothy 1:1-17 

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. (v16)

Encounter: I write a mean cover letter. Before ChatGPT and Claude locked down the CV and cover letter market, I was the go-to for all my friends when they were applying for jobs. I could turn your two-week work experience with McDonalds into a prestigious customer experience placement with a global hospitality brand. In short, I’m a master at making people’s careers sound much more impressive than they actually are. 

And I think we’re all a bit like this in some ways. We become adept at appearing better than we are – showcasing our successes, hiding our failures, repeating someone else’s wisdom or joke to appear clever or funny. It’s a natural and very human behaviour. 

Paul doesn’t appear to be afflicted with this condition. Instead of focusing on his creds, he makes the claim to be the 'worst of sinners', the lowest of the low, the bottom of the pile. Why? So he can showcase the incredible grace and mercy that Christ Jesus has bestowed upon him as a case study that might draw others into that same grace and mercy. 

Apply: Take this opportunity to do a mini review of your heart. Are you consistently showing off your best side? Are you able to be honest and open about your failures and weaknesses? You never know, your vulnerability might just be the example that someone needs to hear to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life. 

Devote: Thank you for the immense patience that you’ve shown me. Please help me to be honest and vulnerable that others might see your love, grace and mercy and believe.