How Long Is Your List

1 Timothy 1:15-16 “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 immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life.”

     Have you ever thought of yourself as the “worst” of something? Have you ever been involved in a ‘judgment’ of a whole group (that you really didn’t partake in) but suffered anyway? Have you ever been in a gathering of people, and felt like you didn’t ‘fit in’? Here’s an “ouch” question: have you ever been the ‘ring leader’ in a situation that was not a wise decision, choice, action… to be in? Looking back at your life, or the life you are living now – are there things, moments, days…. that you feel like you are the “worst of them all”? Well, we are in good company! Paul realized where he was before Jesus, and how far Jesus had brought him. He realized, that it was Jesus and Jesus alone that had saved him from eternal judgment and hell.

     Now, you may have committed similar crimes as Paul did, and you may think that the worst thing you have done is tell a white-lie. The truth is: in Gods hand-book of life – sin is sin. All are equal. Once you commit one, it is as if you have committed them all. Unfortunately, I have actually broken each and every one of the 10 commandments, literally. I have also broken each one with thoughts of doing them. Ouch! However, here’s the GOOD NEWS in verse 16: we are shown mercy by Jesus Himself! Why? So that others will see this mercy, forgiveness and grace AND be drawn to Him! To believe in Him and receive eternal life!! THAT is why Jesus came to earth: for us, to save us, to help and heal us! So that we will be able to spend eternity with Him, and not be separated by our sins, and live in hell for eternity! Jesus came for the “sick” not the “well”. The ‘well’ do not need a doctor, but the sick do. That’s us LOL  However, Jesus has immense patience for each and every one of us! No matter how long it takes, He stands there beside us, ready and waiting for us to turn to Him. Yes, some of us need a LOT of practice in this area, because we keep following our own heart and flesh into unwise choices – but remember this: each and every day, is brand new! Fresh, clean, no mistakes! Each and every night – we CAN go to bed with a clean slate or clear conscience. How? By spilling our beans to God, and asking for His forgiveness! It is not as easy as it sounds, I totally understand! However, if Paul can be forgiven, so can we!

     Today, I am praying for you (and myself) that we are quick to see and realize when we are falling short. That we will NOT wait until bed-time to confess these things and ask for Gods forgiveness and ask for the mercy and grace of Jesus as well as asking for the help from the Holy Spirit. I’m praying that we each have Holy Spirit filled ears, eyes, minds, and actions. I am most certain, that we can each make a BIG, huge, LONG list of our sins – and that’s ok to do – BUT, we don’t need to LIVE in that list! Get it off your chest, then toss it away! With Jesus as our “new clothing” we can walk around clean, not filthy by all of the sins of our past. Believe that He is and is always providing you with a fresh, clean, white, pure robe to put on each and every day! You are loved, treasured, and forgiven! Accept that! Let go of your "list" and accept His love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness.