Wednesday, December 18, 2024  

Today's Scripture
1 Timothy 1:15–17

The saying is sure and worthy of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners — of whom I am the foremost. But for that very reason I received mercy, so that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display the utmost patience, making me an example to those who would come to believe in him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. (NRSV)

Reflection

My generation seems to have turned everything into a competition — even things we shouldn’t actually want to win. Who got the least sleep? Who worked the most hours? Whose life is the most stressful? Whose family is most dysfunctional? I have to believe no one actually wants to be sleep-deprived, overworked, stressed, or navigating a dysfunctional family. But somehow it’s become a sort of status symbol.

In verses 15–17, it almost seems as if Paul is doing the same thing; he’s bragging about how badly he needed to be saved. He seems to be saying, “Jesus chose to save me because I was the most messed up and to show that, if it’s possible for me, it’s possible for anyone.” But unlike my generation, Paul wasn’t humble bragging about being the most in need. He was genuinely in awe of how Jesus had transformed his life.

I was deep into my twenties before I was able to accept that life is not a competition. It’s not a race. It’s an obstacle course, and everyone has their own challenges to overcome. It does me no good to compare my course to anyone else’s. Especially during Advent, it’s a much better use of time and energy to reflect on what Jesus’ birth made possible for a sinner like me.

Prayer
Lord Jesus, in this season of waiting and preparation, may I, like Paul, sit in awe of what you’ve done for me. Amen.

Written by Nicole Spirgen, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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