"One Good Turn...!"

It has been said that one good turn deserves another. The meaning of this statement is that when one is the recipient of a good deed it is generally natural to return the kindness or at least pass it on. Perhaps we can see how this worked in the life of Paul. He recognized how much he was undeserving of the gracious mercy of God. ( 1 Timothy 1:15-16) He knew the extent of his guilt with regard to his diligence in persecuting the church. ( Acts 26:9-11) However, on the road to Damascus he saw the light and his life took a GLORIOUS TURN for the better. Paul by no means deserved the blessed opportunity he received, but it was the beginning of that which would prompt many other good turns.

As Paul stood before King Agrippa and recounted his conversion we read…
“(14) And when we had all fallen to the ground, I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ (15) And I said, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ And the Lord said, ‘I am Jesus whom you are persecuting. (16) But rise and stand upon your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to appoint you as a servant and witness to the things in which you have seen me and to those in which I will appear to you, (17) delivering you from your people and from the Gentiles -- to whom I am sending you (18) to open their eyes, so THAT THEY MAY TURN FROM DARKNESS TO LIGHT and FROM THE POWER OF SATAN TO GOD, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’” ( Acts 26:14-18)

Paul was God’s chosen instrument to bring Gentiles to a GLORIOUS TURNING POINT in their life. As Paul had seen the light (both physically and spiritually) he was, in turn, to help others turn from the darkness of this world to the light of the truth of Christ and thus from the power of the devil to that of God. Having had the opportunity himself, Paul was compelled by a sense of indebtedness ( Romans 1:14-15) to faithfully carry out that mission. Reading through the book of Acts and through the insight we gain from his letters, we can easily see how Paul exercised the same diligence and zeal in spreading the Gospel of Jesus as he had exerted beforehand in persecuting the church. That GLORIOUS TURNING POINT in Paul’s life brought about a GLORIOUS TURNING of the lives of many others.

Since we as Christians have been redeemed by the blood of Christ, turned from our old self, saved from our sins, and removed from condemnation ( Romans 8:1), do we recognize it is our turn to pass on the opportunity? We didn’t deserve the salvation made possible by the grace and mercy of God, but since we have received it, don’t others deserve the opportunity? May we live in a manner that those around us can recognize a GLORIOUS TURNING POINT has been experienced in our life. Then let us continue to hold out the message of eternal hope in Christ that others may have their turn as well.

Have a great day LIVING TO TURN OTHERS TOWARD THE LORD!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Evangelism