(Galatians 1:23)  But they had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed.
(Galatians 1:24)  And they glorified God in me.

The power of a changed life has a testimony that goes beyond anything that can be said or written.  Paul’s reputation as Saul of Tarsus the destructive murderer made him one of the most feared men.  Just because he said he was a changed man didn’t automatically put that behind him.  But as his life was observed and the Holy Spirit began to use him, word began to spread.  It reached those followers of Christ in the regions beyond Damascus.  Now he was known as a builder instead of a destroyer.  Those who “had heard only” had not yet heard about the abundant revelations given to Paul by the risen Lord Jesus Christ.  They had not yet heard the Lord had instituted a new program in which both Jew and Gentile could be saved into one universal Body of Christ.  They simply heard that he had changed.

Instead of trying to convince people by words that your life was changed by Christ, why not allow the Lord to live His life through you to demonstrate it’s true?  Let them see faith in action.  Let them watch the love of God working in you.  Let them see that your beliefs extend beyond Sunday morning.  Let them see the reality of faith working in you every day of the week.  Let them see truth you believe compels you to love them.  Once they see the life of Christ in you really working, they will listen to what you have to say.  And then they will glorify God in you!

Renewed Thought – Lord, help me to put the past behind me.  Help me to live the kind of life that will cause people to glorify you.