Not I, But Him!

What changes an individual from a sinner to a saint? What compels one to move from being selfish to selfless? What moves one from being a foe to a friend of God? What is it that has the power to transform a persecutor into a preacher of righteousness?

Paul was one who did not make much of himself. When the focus was on any boast of "confidence in the flesh" ( Philippians 3:4), that was when he was a Pharisee. ( Philippians 3:5-6) All that was left behind for the sake of Christ. ( Philippians 3:7)

As Paul defended his Apostleship to the church at Galatia, he recounted what took place following his conversion. We read. . .

"(18) Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. (19) But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord's brother. (20) (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) (21) then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. (22) And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. (23) They only were hearing it said, 'He who USED TO PERSECUTE us is NOW PREACHING the faith he once tried to destroy.' (24) And THEY GLORIFIED GOD BECAUSE OF ME." ( Galatians 1:18-24 ESV)

It wasn't that they praised Paul for having turned his life around. It was GOD WHO RECEIVED THE GLORY because it was God who brought about the dynamic change in his life. Paul knew it was "BY THE GRACE OF GOD" that he was what he was. ( 1 Corinthians 15:10) The message Paul shared came from the One who had forever changed his life. ( Galatians 1:11-12)

Let us humbly surrender our life fully to God so that we can become what He desires us to be. In this way HE WILL RECEIVE THE GLORY He is due. Like Paul, may we live that others may GLORIFY GOD because of us.

Have a great day PRAISE GOD FOR THE TRANSFORMATION HE CAN BRING!
Carl

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