"I AM THE FOREMOST!"

1 Timothy 1:12-16                    (ESV)

"12 I thank HIM who has given me strength, CHRIST JESUS our LORD, because HE judged me faithful, appointing me to HIS service,

13 though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had ACTED IGNORANTLY in unbelief,

14 and the grace of our LORD overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in CHRIST JESUS.

15 The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that CHRIST JESUS came into the world to save sinners, of whom "I AM THE FOREMOST".  

16 But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, JESUS CHRIST might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life."

Sometimes in observing the words and actions of others I am left wondering how they could be so misguided?  The position taken by them is so controversial to the way I see things that I have to re-evaluate how I arrived at my point of view.  The Word of GOD is a measuring stick that cannot be manipulated to fit our wishes or desires.  The Apostle Paul certainly didn't hold himself too favorably when he wrote "I AM THE FOREMOST"!

We ALL are not what we need to become in life!  Paul indicated that even though "I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent", GOD still could use him for HIS glory and purpose.  Most of the examples we observe in scripture have documented failures in their lives of trying to serve HIM faithfully.  If my failures were written in scripture, the Bible would be a LOT longer!!

It is easy to find fault within the lives of others.  Judging others seems to be the easiest thing we can do.  If I compare someone else's life to what I SEE as what scripture directs, I usually don't have time to inventory my own life!  And when I don't take the time to evaluate my own life, I can't make the changes required to draw me closer to The LORD JESUS CHRIST!  Now who else, other than the enemy, could benefit from me critiquing others so closely?

FATHER IN HEAVEN, I pray that I will be more focused on becoming the person YOU are desiring me to be and not let my attention be distracted to look at others!  Cause me to be more concerned about the thoughts and actions of MY OWN LIFE, and not so focused on the actions of others.  As far as sinners, "I AM THE FOREMOST" and help me to remember that!