An Esteem Issue?

As we look at the life of Paul, though we would join him in acknowledging his error of judgment prior to accepting Jesus as the Messiah and rightfully view him as an imperfect being like the rest of us, we would still note him as being a great man of faith who surrendered his life fully to do the Will of God. However, to read some of Paul’s statements about himself one might wonder about his emotional and social stability.

Note how Paul described himself in his letter to Timothy.
“(15) The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS, OF WHOM I AM THE FOREMOST. (16) But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV)

Now note a statement from his letter to the church at Ephesus.
“(7) Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. (8) To me, though I AM THE VERY LEAST OF ALL THE SAINTS, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” ( Ephesians 3:7-8 ESV)

And consider his view of himself in his letter to the church at Corinth.
“(7) Then he [Jesus] appeared to James, then to all the apostles. (8) Last of all, as to one untimely born, he appeared also to me. (9) For I AM THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES, UNWORTHY TO BE CALLED AN APOSTLE, because I persecuted the church of God.” ( 1 Corinthians 15:7-9 ESV)

For Paul to view himself as the foremost of sinners, the least of all the saints, and the least of the apostles and his unworthiness to even be called one, could one conclude he had a struggle with low self-esteem? Some might draw that conclusion from statements such as these. Paul was not down on himself, but humbly acknowledged all the blessings and hope that were his were very much unmerited. As he mentioned to the church at Rome, Paul’s life attested to the marvelous gifts GOD’S MERCY and great PATIENCE were. Hope for eternal life was available. To the church at Ephesus Paul noted the richness of GOD’S GRACE that made it possible for him to be called a saint (a holy being sanctified by the blood of Christ) given the privilege of preaching the Good News of Jesus. As he wrote to the church at Corinth regarding his apostleship, Paul went on to point out that it was by the GRACE OF GOD that he was what he was. ( 1 Corinthians 15:10) All of this would have attested to Paul’s realization of THE VALUE GOD PLACED ON HIS LIFE and the lives of all others who responded to His gifts in an appropriate manner. If there is anything that should boost personal self-esteem, should not that do it?

Let us remain humble as we consider where we are because of Christ. May we never forget that what we are and what we have is possible because of GOD’S GRACE. However, the fact it cost “the precious blood of Christ” ( 1 Peter 1:18-19) to make it possible is a declaration we have enough VALUE IN THE EYES OF GOD for Him to have been willing to have such a price paid. Let us humbly accept God’s provisions as we strive to live in a manner that reveals HIS GRACE has not been received in vain. ( 2 Corinthians 6:1) We are loved and wanted by Him!

Have a great day UPLIFTED BY OUR SIGNIFICANCE TO GOD!
Carl

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