1 Corinthians 15:9-11
For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.
This man of God tells us that he is the least of all the apostles. He even feels like he's not worthy to be called an apostle. We know this man as Paul who used to be called Saul. In the beginning of his life he persecuted the church and had many Christians cast out or even killed. This was probably a constant reminder of who he used to be, which kept him humble.
Sometimes the greatest characteristic we can have is humility. Many today feel that they are entitled or that they deserve the position that Christ has given them. There is ABSOLUTLEY no way that this attitude is from Jesus Christ. Pride is a fleshly characteristic and God will not use selfish pride. Notice what Paul says is key for him... Grace! "By the Grace of God I am what I am..."
Often I have told people about my past. I don't like discussing my past with people because of what I used to do and the person I used to be. My youth and teenage years are ones that I would love to erase at times. Everyone that I knew back then, and even now, called me by my nickname Taco. Principals, teachers, coaches and friends all called me this. I worked so hard at building an image of Mr. Tough guy, Mr. Popular and Mr. Fun. I hurt so many people and especially myself.
The things that I did bring so much shame into my mind. Things I said, things I did, unholy things that I never want to remember seem to never leave my mind. Through Jesus' blood and forgiveness these sins are not held against me anymore! They are forgiven by Jesus and even the people I did those things with have forgiven me. I don't wear them as burdens of sin, but rather memories for humbleness. You see, I can't forget those things even though I am forgiven of them all and Christ will not hold them against me. They don't bring me down, they keep me humble. It is a forever reminder of God's Grace. Of all the people Jesus could have used to preach His Gospel, why would He use a boy like Taco? The answer...? Grace! Oh, it humbles me! Grace reminds me this morning that I am what I am because He is who He is! Thank you Jesus for loving us so!
Nothing like a good seasoned Taco, especially when it's His Grace.
Nothing like a good seasoned Taco, especially when it's His Grace.
