The conversion of Saul of Tarsus is one of the most radical changes that has ever occurred in a man.Saul, who became the apostle Paul, recalled his conversion to Christ in Galatians 1:13-24.The change was so drastic that the disciples in Jerusalem did not believe that he had been converted at first (Acts 9:26).However, as Paul wrote, “They kept hearing, ‘He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy’” (Gal. 1:23).
Paul was able to say about himself one of the very best things that could ever be said about anyone.In Galatians 1:24, he wrote, “And they were glorifying God because of me.”The news of Saul’s conversion caused Christians to glorify and praise God.In fact, the glorification of God because of Paul continues to this day.Paul’s life achieved the very best result that is possible for man.He caused God to be glorified.
The goal of every man, woman, and child should be that God would be glorified because of them.Jesus set this goal for us in the sermon on the mount when He said, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).Not only did Jesus give us the goal, but He also gave us the means to achieve it - the good works for which we were created in Him (Eph. 2:10).
Now all people can fulfill their purpose on the earth because every individual in capable of glorifying God through Christ Jesus.Even the lowest of sinners can bring glory to God, and the conversion of Saul proves it.Paul described himself as the foremost among sinners (1Tim. 1:15), and yet even he found mercy in Christ so that he could be forgiven and put into the service of Christ for His glorification (1Tim. 1:12-16).If the foremost among sinners can be converted to glorify God, then any sinner can also.
Therefore, make your aim to be the glorification of your Father in heaven.Make your practices to be the faithful following of God’s will in every deed, word, and thought so that God is glorified.Then, make your joy to be when you can confidently say, “They were glorifying God because of me.”
