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College student Jordan Saddoris invites others to embrace God’s forgiveness and turn from their sin.

By Jordan Saddoris

To my fellow young sinners: I am one of you.

In fact, I consider myself one of the worst repeat offenders. I can admit it. I’m the honor roll college student who, behind the scenes, fell victim to the temptations that come with being away from home. I fell victim to everything from alcohol to excessive gambling to sexual sin—all before my 21st birthday. When I stepped back and saw what my choices were turning into, I began to hate who I was set to become because I was letting down all those who had faith in me.

I’m writing to tell those people who are in this same situation that there is hope for all of us.

Growing up, my mother made it a point to tell me every day, “Life is about choices, kiddo.” God gave us free will, and it is up to us what we do with it. I am not here to tell you an overnight story of transformation. The track to becoming the God-fearing, faithful man I desire to be is paved by the thousands of choices I make every day. There is much more road in front of me. The temptations will forever be there. I am here to tell you that it is the choices that change us, one choice at a time, even when they’re difficult. Thank goodness we have a God of tremendous patience and mercy!

The words that have gotten me through so many days are found in 1 Timothy 1:15-17 (NIV): “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.”

God is patient with us so that someday the world will see the incredible believers that were once terrible sinners—the Sauls who became Pauls. At this age, we are able to change and decide who we want to be for the rest of our lives. God gave you the ability to make the choice. It’s your turn to make it.

Jordan Saddoris is a senior at Central College. He attends Third Reformed Church in Pella, Iowa. “My Voice” shares the views and experiences of RCA women and men between the ages of 18 and 29.