Galatians 1:22-24 Seek to Please God, For You Will Be Honored and the Church Will Glorify God

Galatians 1:22-24 I was still unknown by sight to the churches of Judea which were in Christ; but only, they kept hearing, “He who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith which he once tried to destroy.” And they were glorifying God because of me.

Recently at the Church at which I am a member, we had a members meeting to discuss and decide on budget issues and who will be the church elders. During discussion of one elder who was nominated many members voiced their concern that they did not know the candidate very well (or at least his ministry). The man was confirmed by all to be a godly man with no reservations or questions about his integrity. The question was about his ability to teach and his leadership qualities. Since most elders there are seminary professors, they are probably the highest quality of teachers that could possibly be found in the Church throughout the world. Yet this man is a normal man, leading his family in a Christ-like manner, minding his own business in a quiet, humble life.

While discussion continued on him, one man who knew him well told the congregation would I thought was probably the most crucial piece of information given: this candidate is a man of prayer. He prays on his own, in small groups, and he goes to most church events of prayer. My vote was sealed then and there: I would take this man over anybody who was merely a good teacher. He was not well known, but he was making a true impact for the Kingdom.

Paul, even after going to Judea to meet with James and Peter, was not well known throughout the Church, at least by sight. They could not distinguish Paul from Adam. However, they heard that the one who had been persecuting and troubling the Church was now one of them, and he was making big waves for the Kingdom. God was being glorified in the Church because of Paul. They may not have seen Paul’s ministry, but they heard of his great faithfulness to the cause of Christ.

This is what you should seek, dear brothers and sisters. Seek a good reputation, not to be famous (cf. Proverbs 22:1). Seek to obey God in the little things and the big, whether you become well known for them or not. Do the work of God in the background, for everything will one day be made known and you will be greatly honored in the sight of God and men (cf. Luke 12:2-3, Matthew 6:1).

Furthermore, seek that the Church may glorify God. The world is not able to glorify God (cf. Hebrews 11:6). Do not seek to cause those of the world to glorify God for they cannot. Only if they become part of the Church can they bring God honor and glory. Do not seek to please those of the world, but rather to please and honor those in the Church. Treat them with great respect and seek to cause them to praise God. Only the Church will truly rejoice (that is, rejoice in God) for the work you do to further the Kingdom of God.

Finally, to you who are not Christians, notice Paul’s state before he came to Christ. Paul was persecuting, in fact “he once tried to destroy” the faith. This man was a vile and retched sinner, seeking to destroy the very body of Christ. Yet God brought Him near through the blood of Christ (cf. Ephesians 2:13). If you say, “I am too much a sinner for God to accept me,” friend, you have a false view of God. God can save all and will save all whom He pleases. He tells all who are weary and heavy laden to come to Him as their Lord (Matthew 11:28-30). There is not one who is too sinful for the blood of Jesus to cleanse him/her. Let Christ be your peace with God and with the Church (cf. Ephesians 2:13). If God can save Paul, he can save you. Let Him have His way with you; let Him save you.