A Word from 1 Timothy 1

On this Memorial Day, we remember and give thanks for those who have sacrificed to secure our freedom. And we pray for our nation, asking God to give us the strength that will keep us free. And strength, of course, is a good thing! But when it comes to our life in Christ, today’s word from First Timothy Chapter 1 reminds us that embracing our weakness can be a good thing, too.

First Timothy, of course, was written by Paul. And if you know anything about Paul, you’re probably aware that before he met Jesus on the road to Damascus, he was kind of a violent guy—one who was convinced enough of his own righteousness that he didn’t have any problem with forcing his way on others. However, if you pay attention to Paul’s letters, you discover that his spirit changed over time.

In one of his first letters, written to the Galatians, he says, “As for those who were held in high esteem—whatever they were makes no difference to me,” (Gal. 2:6) which sounds a lot like a guy who’s still pretty confident about how he compares to others. But then, in his letter to the Corinthians a few years later, he says, “I’m the least of all the apostles.” (1 Cor. 15:9) Keep reading Paul’s later letters, and you discover that his humility continues to grow: “I’m the least of all the Lord’s people,” (Eph. 3:8) he writes. But by the time you get to one of his last letters to his protégé Timothy, he says, “I’m the worst of all sinners.” (1 Tim. 1:15)

So, why the change? Well, one scholar writes, “Over time, Paul grew in his understanding of the love of God, and he became stronger in Christ by embracing rather than shunning his weaknesses. Our foundational neediness as human beings is not something to be healed or overcome, but to be embraced as the source of our greatest strength.” (Peter Scazzero, Emotionally Healthy Discipleship)

So today, as Americans, let’s give thanks for those who made our nation strong. And as Christians, let’s give thanks for the weaknesses that help us rely on the Savior who gives us strength. Amen.