A trustworthy saying

 This week's verses are 1 Timothy 1:15-17:

Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. 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. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.

These verses are a great way to put things in the proper perspective.  The Apostle Paul describes himself as the worst of sinners. And at the same time, he points to Jesus as someone who has come to save sinners. He assumes the worst about himself, and gives the glory to God. The emphasis isn't "I am terrible" but "God is great for accepting even me."

Was Paul really the worst of sinners? Or are we? It's not possible for us to know. We have ideas and opinions, but not necessarily any kind of objective truth. Sin is more than just committing felonies and having the wrong kind of sex. Sin is also found in our thoughts. It's found not only in the things we do, but the things we don't do. There can even be sin in how well we manage what we have been given, even how we spend our money. Who is to say that you or I are not the worst of sinners in all of history, given our privilege and reach and what we have or haven't done?

This is where Paul's position is so profound. The only person's sin we can be fully and intimately aware of is our own. If we take the attitude that we are already the worst sinner of all, we are not as likely to justify ourselves with excuses and putting our head in the sand. Instead of being like "yeah I snapped at that cashier but he deserved it. At least I'm not as bad as him" you will be like "Of course I lost my temper when the cashier was on his phone. It's typical of how depraved I am. God have mercy on me and help me to change."

Paul's position takes the competition out of the picture in the righteousness race. He does this by automatically putting himself last on the competition's scoreboard.  If you decide you're last, you're going to stop checking to see who is behind you. You're not going to put on a show for others to make it look like you're further ahead than you are. You're last, and it's OK, because you're still going to win the prize thanks to Jesus.

Jesus Christ came to our world to save sinners. Even the worst. Even us. We are Christians because we need to be. And God is glorified through that.