The Apostle Paul is by far the best example of a spiritual giant who had to be taught God’s more perfect way. By his own admission Paul, a Pharisee of Pharisees who had progressed far beyond his contemporaries in all things concerning God, was at the top of the religious hierarchy in the Jewish world. A Benjamite who had learned at the feet of the most famous teacher of the time–Gamaliel–Paul worshiped God fervently and continuously, “knew” that he was one with Him and was serving Him according to His will. However, as he learned on the road to Damascus, Paul the zealot was not only wrong, he had been wrong all along, as had been Gamaliel and all the other young men the famous teacher had instructed in “the things of God” over the years.

In a moment of time Paul learned that he had always been wrong, and that he had been working not only against the God he knew existed, but also against the God he did not believe existed. This must have been the ultimate ego crusher for one as proud as he admitted to being. Referring to his former life as a Pharisee, he said, “I was alive once” (Rom. 7:9), meaning that prior to his meeting Jesus Christ he had been at the top of the religion game–seemingly at one with God and serving Him like no one ever had. Paul had been “alive,” convinced that he was in the center of God’s will. Then, following a flash of light, he learned the lesson that Apollos, Lydia and the people of Berea had learned–that his uber-religiosity had meant nothing to the Lord, that though he had been religiously alive, he had in reality been spiritually dead. Later, the Lord would send a letter to an entire church that was walking in the same error as did the people discussed in this posting. He would say to that church that though they believed themselves to be “… rich, increased with goods and in need of nothing,” they were in reality “… wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked” (Rev. 3:14-17).

Today there are over two billion Paul’s, Lydias, Bereans and Laodiceans who believe themselves to be something they are not–God’s people walking in the center of His will. If God’s Word does not describe your life–if His Shoe does not fit your foot–do not change shoes (His Word) as billions of others have done. Rather, change your foot (life) to match His shoe (Word)–make your life reflect His Word. Only those who do so will live with Him throughout eternity. L.J.