Without knowing the depths of the dark canyon below the full impact of God’s grace cannot be known. The more light that is allowed to shine on this great divide the tighter one clings to Jesus.
One does not share the experiences of the heart only to help others but also to reassure one’s self of God’s presences, for many times I would have fallen if it were not for the things God has done. For the path of the righteous is narrow and few ever reach their destination. If it were simple we would not require God’s leading and if the path were smooth our armor would not include shoes of peace that come from God’s good news.
But let us who live in the light be clearheaded, protected by the armor of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation.
(1 Thessalonians 5:8 NLT)
Like Paul told Timothy, “Faithful is the Word and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (1 Timothy 1:15). I do not share with the intent to show myself better than anyone else but rather to show God’s kindness and mercy. Without Christ my life is unmanageable and destined for destruction but in Him there is hope, in Him peace can be known, in Him true life can be found. I share because Christ Jesus is all that is good within me and the only thing worthy of sharing. He has allowed me to see the deep dark crevices I try to hide, even from myself.
"The human heart is the most deceitful of all things, and desperately wicked. Who really knows how bad it is? But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve."
(Jeremiah 17:9-10 NLT)
Paul goes on to say, “But God had mercy on me so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life.”
(1 Timothy 1:16 NLT)
How can you tell others that you have been saved if you are not willing to tell what you’ve been saved from? The thing that struck me about Paul is that he did not say he was the chief sinner but he spoke in present tense, “of whom I am chief”. For I believe Paul knew to step outside of God’s grace would be to step squarely in the center of who he was without Christ. You see Paul knew the depths of the deep canyon below and was reminded of it often but that did not cause him to fear, rather he boasted of the things Christ has done in his own life realizing He can do the same for others. Then why is it when we step away from God, motivated by our own wicked hearts that we come to despair? Life is about decisions, consistently make bad ones and your path will lead you to a test; fail the test and you will know new levels of the darkness below. With each bad decision you only make the hole you will later have to climb out of deeper but fear not for even in this there is purpose. God wants your trust, if you take Him for granted you are not trusting Him you are using Him for your purpose and your soul is in danger of hell. However, if we know His mercy and love our eyes He will lift so that we see His face and our souls will be saved.
For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
(Ephesians 6:12-18 NLT)
Don’t become consumed by fear, even though we are sinful but instead look to Jesus who was made sin for us so that we might live. Like the Israelites who sinned against God and were dying as poisonous snakes bit them their own fears forced them look down and all would have surely died but for God told Moses to make a replica of a poisonous snake and attach it to a pole for all to see and those who simply look at it will be saved. Today if we simply put our eyes on Jesus He has the power to save us. (read Numbers 21)
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
(2 Timothy 1:7 NLT)
So the next time someone asks what does it mean to be saved tell them. Tell them of how you were dying, tell them of the darkness that is kept at bay because of Jesus’ light, tell them how even today you are reminded of your need for a Savior, and tell them how Jesus took your spot and paid your debt so that you might be called a lamb of God. Secondly, live out what God has called you to be, put on the armor of God, boldly proclaim what God has done in power, love, and self-discipline and never forget the deep dark place God has brought you from so that you might trust Him more.
