Being a Christian sure is a cakewalk, isn’t it? With our collectively perfect pasts and simply acquired citizenships. Sense the sarcasm. We see parts of Paul’s story highlighted, even in the midst of trials. Paul even identified as a Jew while referencing the persecution he personally inflicted on believers prior to being welcomed into the family of God. Relatable much? I really have grown to love the saying “I was one way and now I am completely different.” It looks different on this side of grace, yet sounds completely crazy to unbelievers. The crowd turns against Paul when he mentions reaching out to the Gentiles. As Christians, we understand that we are all God’s children, and that dictates an urgency in reaching out to them all. But to those confused at the mercy of grace and the gift the Jesus bestowed upon all creation the day he took up the cross, it’s a common misconception that is seen even in the modern day church… “christians” believing that they are better than or worth more than those that are not.
How does your everyday life look? Are you actively reaching those around you? In the midst of persecution, do you find yourself seeking opportunities to point to Heaven the way that Paul did? He related to people by way of sharing his story. You can’t argue someone’s testimony. Religion and politics can be debated all day, but the facts of your story will hold true. Who you were. Where you’ve been. What you’ve done. And then the shining moment, how did God make you completely different after you chose to rest in His grace. We all have a story. We have all faced varying degrees of trials. You’ll be amazed at the situations God strategically places you in where there are ears that need to hear it. At the coffee shop? In the checkout line at the grocery store? We have hundreds of opportunities each day to shine the light into the lives of others. Embrace it and seek the opportunities. Allow God to give you the boldness to speak unapologetically about His glory and how you’ve been transformed.