Remember What You Were

Titus 3:3

Before Paul gives one of the most beautiful descriptions of salvation in the New Testament, he does something disarming: he reminds his readers of who they used to be. "For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another."

Notice the word "we." Paul includes himself. This isn't a description of the people outside the church. It's a description of everyone before grace. No exceptions. And it's not flattering. Why start here? Because remembering where we came from changes how we treat people who aren't yet where we are. It removes the pride that can creep into religious life, the sense that we are fundamentally better than those who haven't followed Jesus. Paul's point is that we aren't. We were the same. The only difference is grace.

This verse is also a diagnosis. Sin isn't just a few bad habits that need minor adjustment. Paul says we were enslaved to our passions. We didn't need improvement. We needed resurrection! Remembering this produces humility toward others and deep gratitude toward God.

Reflection:
How does remembering your own life before Christ change the way you interact with people who don't know him yet?