For I am the least of the apostles, unfit to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am…” vss. 9-10a
1 Corinthians 15:6-11
Paul still had to pinch himself when he considered his calling to be an apostle–he knew he didn’t deserve it–that he was unfit because of his prior record as a persecutor of Christians. But he had no doubt about his call, and when challenged by other apostles, he refused to back down. It’s probably because of that background that he became such a fierce advocate of grace as the only way of salvation. That’s how it continues to be in the Church. Those who have experienced the dark side of life seem to have a much greater appreciation of the Light that is ours in Christ Jesus. They know there is nothing in their history that gives them any worthiness or merit, so when they experience love, they become passionate about grace. On the other hand when people have been born to faith and never ever wander to any great extent, the whole matter of grace can seem theoretical. Sometimes such persons are lackadaisical about commitments and have little appreciation of the gospel’s power to transform and renew broken people. The truth is that all we are and all we have is purely by the grace of God, and like Paul we have been called to spread that good news in every way we can–especially when we believe ourselves unworthy!
Thought for the Day: When is it healthy to feel unworthy?
0 Comments