No Other Way

DEVOTION
1 TIMOTHY
NO OTHER WAY
1 Tim 1:15-17
15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the worst. 16 But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.
NIV
I cannot imagine why I would not be considered the worst of sinners instead of Paul. Maybe we all are the worst of sinners, that I do not know, but I know who I am. I also know God has done an incredible amount of work in me and still has a very large amount to do still. I am not sure if he will ever be done working in my life. I certainly know I too have been shown mercy. Maybe I do not talk about the heinousness of my sinful life before becoming a believer. Maybe I need to in order for people to see how Christ has displayed his unlimited patience in me so I might be an example for others who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Not that I am perfect now, not at all, I still have struggles with that ugly old self who fights and battles for the control of my life. I am still in need of his unlimited patience. But then of what value would that patience be if I had attained perfection? Of what value would the cross be if I would be able to be completely free of sin, in either word, thought or deed? I cannot imagine anyone actually believing they have stopped sinning. I can imagine being free from sin, but that is only in my imagination, for the reality is quite different. I want to stop being or doing certain ways and things, but I cannot, and I do desire to do certain things and be a certain way, but I am not. I understand what Paul was talking about in Romans 7. I relate to being the worst of sinners, both then and maybe even still now. How can any sin not be the worst offence to God no matter how trivial I might think it to be? But even with that still working against me, God has shown me mercy, he has an unlimited patience with me, and his grace abounds toward me in that I still am considered or rendered innocent because of the blood of Christ. At times I just have a difficult time grasping that truth, but it is still the truth and I know I have to simply accept it as such and be forever grateful for it of which I am. I know for one thing I have absolutely no problem at all acknowledging that God is the eternal King and that he is immortal, invisible and the only one true God. I have absolutely given and will always give him all the honor and all the glory forever and ever. It can be no other way.