Chief – n. leader, head – adj. main, principal.

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of whom I am the worst.”

Paul knew who Jesus was and why he came. Don’t get so lost in religion that you forget about the relationship. You can argue the fine points of theological doctrine until you are blue in the face but the bottom line on Jesus Christ is that he came into the world to save sinners. Sinners have no hope. Sinners are going to bust hell wide open. Sinners are running around in a fallen world and they are falling all over themselves trying to find peace and hope and purpose and love and acceptance. Sinners need a saviour and Jesus is that One and Only who came to forgive and redeem and restore. Paul knew who Jesus was.

Paul knew who Paul was. He wasn’t hiding behind is pennance. He wasn’t leaning on the sacrifices that he had made to follow Jesus. Paul was well aware of his past, and his present condition. He wasn’t kidding himself or allowing anyone else to be decieved by his appearance. Paul knew that he needed Jesus as badly as anyone. In his mind, he was the chief of sinners. Paul knew Paul.

I am reminded today to focus on the most important thing about Jesus; He came to save sinners. I am reminded today that I am a sinner in need of a saviour. I’m not a nice person. I don’t have it all together. I don’t know all the answers. I am chief among sinners. I admit it. I am completely unable to be of any good to anyone unless the grace of Jesus Christ changes me.

God, help me never to forget who Jesus is. Father, allow me to fall on your grace and never be decieved about who I am.