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Precious Puritans

Most of us really don’t have a hard time spotting sin...in other people. It’s the sin in the mirror that’s “hard for us to see.” I know if I were being honest, I would much prefer grace for me; and judgment for people I disagree with rather than grace for all. But I’ve found in my life, the more I feed on Scripture, the more I clearly see the absolute splendor of the Cross, and how terrible in every way my life, heart, and thinking is. This causes me to be that much more amazed by grace!

I love how this section of Scripture gives us such a glimpse into the brain and heart of Paul. When I read his writing, I have in mind his Pharisee background. This guy has the torah...MEMORIZED! If ANYONE is an expert on the law and how Christ satisfies it for our justification, it is Paul. If ANYONE can call someone on their doctrine/ theology, it is Paul! If ANYONE can take the crown of chief Apostle, it is Paul! He’s been stoned more than once, left for dead, tossed to jail, and got to Rome on a piece of driftwood. I think he can point a finger or two if he likes, but he doesn't. We see his position “I am the chief sinner” not the chief apostle.

The point of Precious Puritans song is far from being an indictment on their hypocrisy. It’s me echoing Paul. I’m the chief sinner. I’m just as wrong, but praise God because He chooses to use me just like them. So before we attempt point out flaws or exalt others, let’s remember that it is God who is glorified in our strengths and weaknesses. For his maximum glory he chooses to use “crooked sticks (us) to make straight lines”