Even Though

I am grateful to the one who has strengthened me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

1 Timothy 1:12-13

If Paul had stopped his sentence after the word ministry, he would have been no different from the Pharisees in their religious pride of position. Yet he continued.

…even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor, and an arrogant man.

The small phrase even though is a sharp pivot from pride to humility. Ministry is littered with traps that open to a gaping pit of pride. Without even though, even the most gifted minister is vulnerable to falling headlong.

However, even though has the power to make the smallest in God’s kingdom stand tall. The mercy of God strengthens him to stand, even though he knows what he formerly was. What still nips at his heels, the shadow of his old self, seeking to lure him away from obedience. 

But here is why I was treated with mercy: so that in me as the worst, Christ Jesus could demonstrate his utmost patience, as an example for those who are going to believe in him for eternal life. Now to the eternal king, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever! Amen.

1 Timothy 1:16-17

Paul knew exactly who he was. He was no self-deprecator; he was a realist. He knew the full measure of his limitations and his past. Therefore he could be honest about his present. It was not self-righteousness that said, “he considered me faithful in putting me into ministry.” It was humility, dependent on the mercy of Christ for one who, even though he had been a blasphemer and persecutor, had been shown the mercy and utmost patience of Christ as an example for those who would believe.

In his honest estimation of himself, Paul was a walking, breathing testimony of the gospel he preached. 

Let us be honest about ourselves and our need for mercy. It is our need that qualifies us for ministry. May it be said of us that Jesus considers us faithful in putting us into ministry even though.

Lord, thank you for your utmost patience with me. May my even thoughs be an example for those who are going to believe in You for eternal life. Amen.

@audreycfrank