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Galatians 1:13-14
For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.
In our passage today, Paul says, "You know my story. You've heard how I persecuted Christianity and tried to destroy it. You know I advanced and protected Judaism in some very radical ways."
Paul provides greater details of his background in Philippians 3:5-6: "Circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless." And in Acts 9:1-2, we have a record of his persecution of the church: "Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem."
Regardless of how firmly he believed in it, Paul let go of his previous way of life. Why? Because a greater truth was revealed to him. (Philippians 3:7-8: "But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things.") Paul abandoned his social and religious standing as a Pharisee, his external devoutness, and for that matter, everything else that looked great on his spiritual resume. Why? Because all of it became worthless in comparison to the value and glory of Christ.
How does your spiritual resume look? Have you been increasing your knowledge of Scripture? Can you explain basic Christian doctrine? If so, that's great and it is very important we understand what we believe. However, the most important aspect of our faith is our relationship with Jesus. And He is much more than a set of principles. How is Jesus working in your life? Is He alive? Have you allowed His passion to influence your actions?
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Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.
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