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. (1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV)
In many ways I look at myself as one of the least deserving of Christ love and salvation. No, my life has not been one filled with wayward journeys, but even so I have always looked inward to the inner-life which has had its ups and downs. It is easy for us to be judgmental when we see a persons wayward journeys in life. But it is far more difficult to understand the turmoil that resides within them.
“There but for the grace of God, go I” is a statement attributed to John Bradford, a mid-16th century Protestant preacher in reference to a group of prisoners being led to execution. In many ways I will modify this phrase to simply, “There go I”, as I see my own inner turmoil displayed in others.
Reflect on: Your own inner turmoil and how you see yourself in others. Humble yourself and ask God to both forgive and redeem you.
