Daily Devotional for Tuesday, December 3

Paul's Pre-conversion Activities

"For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews' religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and wasted it: and profited in the Jews' religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers;• Galatians 1:13,14.

It is important we keep the past in proper perspective. When behind the wheel of my pick-up, I can see the outside world from three perspectives. I see what is before me through the windshield, I see what is behind me in my rear-view and side mirrors, and what is beside me to my left and right. Everyone's safety, including mine, is dependent upon my focusing on the road ahead. What about the rearview? It deserves an occasional glance, but you cannot afford to stare. Keep your eyes on the road ahead, or you may find yourself off course or worse.

Like you and me, Paul had a past. While he regretted having persecuted the church, he did not deny it or try to cover it up. Though he did not dwell on it, he did recognize that his past provided him an opportunity to showcase the transforming grace and power of God. Paul refused to allow his past to dictate his future (Philippians 3:12-14). Instead, his pre-Christian life became his testimony to the operation of God's power in his life.

The crimes of Paul's pre-conversion life served a dual purpose. Not only did they demonstrate the transforming power of the gospel, but they also produced humility in Paul's character. Paul described this reality in 1 Corinthians 15:9, "For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God." Never forget how far down God reached to pick you up. That occasional glance in the rearview mirror helps us stay on the straight and narrow.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Your past can be a faithful servant or a tyrannical master. Keep it in perspective.

John Nations