Bringing Glory to God

"And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me." - Galatians 1:22-24

The Apostle Paul had an amazing conversion experience. The Lord Jesus appeared to Paul (who was named Saul at the time) on the road to Damascus in a bring light and challenged what Paul was doing in persecuting and imprisoning Christians. You see, Paul thought that he was doing God's work. As a Jew, he was zealous for following the law and for protecting his religion. But the Lord showed up and showed Paul that he was fighting against the work that God was doing through Jesus. You'll remember that Paul was then blinded until he found a man named Ananias who would help him. After that Paul began to preach the gospel and to defend what he once sought to destroy.

Paul's is truly an amazing conversion experience. Chances are that you didn't come to Christ after being blinded and spoken to by a voice from heaven. And chances are that when you came to Christ the world didn't stop and look in amazement when they first noticed you were going to church. No, probably very few people even knew that you had placed your trust in Christ's death and resurrection as satisfactory payment for your sins and received God's justification. Even though your conversion to Christ probably went unnoticed by the world, when you, as a Christian, faithfully proclaim the message of salvation in Jesus Christ, others will glorify God because of you. Others will see the difference between who you once were and who you have become--who you are becoming in Christ.

The challenge for us today is to live faithfully to what God has called us to. As Christians, God has called us to a life that proclaims the good news of salvation by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. That is the purpose. No matter the context, as you fulfill this purpose, you will bring glory and praise to God. Others will glorify God because of you. Make it your goal, not to make a name for yourself, but to make a name for the Lord. Let others see how great a salvation you have in Jesus.