For This Cause
-
Paul had just called himself “chief of all sinners”, yet God had saved him. God came into the world to save sinners.
1 Timothy 1:16-17 says, “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul was spared for a purpose. Paul was spared so that he would proclaim and teach Christ. Paul is a pattern, an example for all that follow. Many of the Christians that knew Paul before he saw the light doubted that he was sincere. I understand their skepticism. Most people never change, they only put forth a facade of change. Yet Paul, by the grace of God truly changed.
I am thankful for the opportunity we have to change and grow spiritually. I am thankful that I am not where I once was spiritually. I am thankful that God saw enough potential in me to do what was necessary to change me...and continues to do so.
He truly is the King. Immortal, invisible. The only wise God. He is the one who is capable of changing the vilest of sinners into the humblest of servants. I pray that I never dismiss and reject one of His future servants because of the sin in which they are currently involved. I pray that I can be the tool that God uses to shine the light to open their eyes so that they may become the servant that God has in store for them.
