1 Timothy 1:12
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service.
We were all, at one time, sinners condemned to an eternity separated from the God who created us. Maybe we could be found among Paul’s list of “lawless and rebellious, ungodly, unholy, and profane people; murderers, immoral men and women, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars, or those who constantly broke their promises to others” (1 Tim 1:9-10).
Regardless of the sins that you have been delivered from, the point is that you are now redeemed of them. As Paul so wonderfully words it, no person other than Christ is responsible for the strength you now own. It is no one other than Christ who had the power to place you where you now are.
You know it was Christ who saved you from the life you once lived, but when was the last time you thanked Him for this wonderful gift? Where would you be today if Christ hadn’t interceded in your life and placed you under His grace? Have you forgotten that it was His strength that saved you? Do you now foolishly believe you can live up to His standards simply because you’ve trusted in His name? An unthankful heart is many times the result of a prideful heart; one that believes its strength is more than enough to win the battle. I pray that you would not fall into this temptation. Remember, as Paul does, where you have come from and the amazing strength of the gracious God that delivered you from your past.