The apostle Paul was a man whose name was well known; by different people at different times in different ways. First, as a leading Jewish rabbi, he gained a reputation for persecuting new believers in Messiah. After his conversion, he gained a reputation for being a leading evangelist and teacher, spreading the faith. Paul was a man of passion. His greatest passion was to be found worthy of the LORD’s approval and bring Him honor. He knew that came from living a life grounded in truth.
“Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honorable, though we may seem disqualified. For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth” (2 Corinthians 13:7-9).
RELEVANCE
God looks for us to be faithful to Him. That glorifies Him. It also brings God to entrust us to do His service. Cornelius was such a faithful man. Even though he was outside the inner circle of the disciples he was known by the community and by God.
“And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man, one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was divinely instructed by a holy angel to summon you to his house, and to hear words from you.” Then he invited them in and lodged them” (Acts 10:22-23).
REFLECT AND RELATE
Whose honor do you seek? Ask God to help you discern the appropriate kind of honor. Desire to be found approved by Him and He will make you known to others that He be glorified through your service to Him.
REFERENCES
Philippians 3:1-21