The pot calling the kettle black

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst (1 Timothy 1:15).

In Scotland, there was a man who made a name for himself at the boxing ring and in the tavern. However, all that changed when the Holy Spirit took hold of his heart. The Scotsman was reborn; forsaking his past, he started a new career as a man who preached about Christ to sinners.

The Lord blessed his work. But one day, just as he was about to start a worship service, someone sent a note up to the platform. When he opened it, the preacher found a long list of sins and crimes he had committed in that very city. At first he thought about excusing himself and leaving, but then, strengthened by the Lord, he faced the crowd and said, "Friends, I am accused of crimes and sins committed in your city. I will read them to you." The Scotsman read through the list; after each item he paused to say, "I am guilty."

When he had finished reading the list out loud, the preacher paused for a moment, then spoke these words to the stunned audience: "You ask how I dare come to you and speak of righteousness and truth, with a list of offenses like that against my name? I will tell you: It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all."

Sin is dangerous. Sin makes God angry. Sin destroys relationships and puts people in danger. Jesus wants sin pointed out so it can be avoided. But who is qualified to speak about sin? If I am a sinner and tell you that you’re doing something wrong, isn’t that like the pot calling the kettle black? When a Christian tries to warn against sinning, there’s always someone ready to point out your own mistakes.

You’re a sinner and I’m a sinner—that’s the simple truth. Because we’re sinners, we deserve God’s punishment in hell. But Jesus suffered our punishment at God’s hands in order to spare us from that grisly fate. Your sin can be forgiven if you realize that it’s a problem and ask Jesus to intervene. That’s why we point out sin when we see it—not so we can judge people or act all superior, but so they might repent and be forgiven by Jesus. We want to share the gift that Christ has given us—a conscience free of guilt and a soul at peace with God. Who better to share this Good News than those who desperately needed it for themselves?