1 Timothy 1:15

“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.”

Courage is an interesting word.

Does it take courage to admit that I am a sinner?

The last six words from 1 Timothy Chapter 1, verse 15 — “of who I am the foremost,” fit me pretty well, as I am a sinner.

My life is checkered with mistakes. Actions that I hang my head in regret and embarrassment.

Yet, despite my errors in my daily living, Jesus accepts me.

For 31 years, I worked in Virginia’s public schools. I often found some of the most challenging situations related to student discipline actually came down to acceptance.

A student’s acting out came from wanting attention, and that need for attention came from wanting to be accepted.

Churches can be difficult wilderness area to navigate for newcomers, the unchurched, or for someone who hasn’t attended church in a long time.

These people are hungry for acceptance as well.

Jesus had no problem with the acceptance of people he encountered in the wilderness of his journey while living on earth.

Why do I find it so difficult at times to accept people in the wilderness of their journeys?

Shouldn’t I be more like Jesus?

Bill Pike