Galatians 1:23-24 (ESV) -- 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.

One of the evidences that someone has truly come to know Jesus is their life is transformed. I can look at my life before Christ and point to a lot of selfish actions and foolish decisions. I lived to please me, and not others. My belief in Jesus had always been there, but there was no love or desire to follow Jesus. I know many others with the same story. Truly coming to faith transforms our lives. 

Our passage today captures this truth. In the book of Galatians, Paul is writing about his own story. And he writes, “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.”

Paul persecuted the church. He denied Jesus’ lordship. He denied that Jesus was the Messiah and Savior of the world. Then he met Jesus. Jesus changed his life. His faith in Jesus led to a life sold out to obey and follow wherever Jesus led. And where did Jesus lead Paul? He led him to preach the gospel around the world, start churches, and develop leaders. This work Jesus called Paul to was only possible because his heart changed. His life became devoted to making Christ known.

Does this mean everyone needs a radical conversion story? Not at all. What it means is that every true Christian is transformed from being someone who lives for our self and our glory to someone who lives for Christ and His glory. Someone raised in a Christian home who has never known anything different than loving Jesus, living for His glory, and following the Scriptures has been transformed. They were transformed by the working of the Holy Spirit in the same way someone like Paul was. Just because the wicked sinful nature never had a chance to develop and mature into full out rebellion doesn’t mean it wasn’t there. No, it was there. But it was the grace of God that put it to death and fostered a spiritual life and vitality. They were still transformed. 

Does your life reflect a heart transformed by the gospel? Seek Jesus today. Ask the Lord to continue growing and transforming you to honor Him. May we all boast in the grace of God for our transformed life.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is Paul’s story such an important story of grace in the Christian life?
- How is someone who grew up in a Christian home, and is a Christian, able to testify that they’ve been transformed too?
- What things should Christians continue to do in order to keep growing and transforming today?

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