Galatians 1:24
“And they glorified God because of me.”
What a wonderful response to viewing a life. Originally, Paul was their chief harasser. They would hear the accounts of his deeds and feel dread. They would fear him. If he was coming to their town, they would probably keep a low profile. Now he was their warrior. Paul was taking all that energy and brilliance and using it for God’s kingdom. They glorified God because of him.
This is the desired response when one views the life of any believer. Rarely is a life as visible as Paul’s. Part of the reason God blesses our lives is for the world to see and give God praise. The another reason is that He loves us and wants to fill our lives. However, He loves everyone and seeks to reach them. Our blessed lives are to be a lure, so God can reach more to bless them.
This is the same reason that God so blessed Israel. The nations were to look on and want the same. Genesis 18:18 says, “Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and through him all the nations of the earth will be blessed”.
Jesus calls us the “salt of the earth”. He wants us to bring flavor to life. He also calls us the “light of the world”. He says in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” He blesses us to reach the world.
What does it mean to be salt and light? Part of that is in the passage, the good works. The love of God through us is seen in good works. It’s also the life of God in us. When we are born again His Spirit resides in us. The evidence of the Holy Spirit in a life is fruit. Galatians 5:22, 23 describes it, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
One of those fruits deserves more focus, joy. Psalm 16:11 says, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” Nehemiah 8:10 says that “the joy of the Lord is our strength”. What’s amazing about this joy is that it’s to be constant regardless of circumstances. We might be having a tough time, yet we know that He works all for good and that He controls life’s happenings. His joy is like a pilot light that burns within in spite of life’s events. We know He is using it for His good, so we still praise Him. This gives others hope. The Lord will help them as well.
Lord thank You for Your blessings.