You Want To Be Like PAUL?

Posted by Anneke Woods | 4.11.12

I have been reading a lot of Paul's writings lately. Many people mention Paul being their favorite Bible character or that they want to be like him. But this man was like... WOAH! I mean, I really don't think they know what they are asking for. This guy was totally selfless. He felt unworthy to suffer for Christ, and he didn't complain about areas in his life where he was lacking or try to cover up his faults.

Paul wasn't a superhero or super-human. He was a regular ‘ole guy who desired God so much more than his own life. His mission was to spread the Gospel. Period. He desired to see others come to the faith more than he desired to keep his life. He struggled with wanting to go be with Jesus in Heaven or staying on Earth to keep telling others about Him.

"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body." Philippians 1:21-24

Fruitful labor. That is what Paul was dedicated to. Fruitful labor produces something. His suffering for Christ produced lives that followed Christ. Have you ever heard that beauty comes from pain? Beautiful things happened in response to Paul's pain. "Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the word of God more courageously and fearlessly" (Philippians 1:14). We are not in chains ourselves, but what is it in your life that is causing others to be courageous in proclaiming the Good News?

I want to be like Paul, I do. Maybe you feel the same... but what a lifestyle change we would have to go through to even try to live like he did! He was just like us, though-- a sinner covered by God's grace. Paul said, "the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love" (Galatians 5:6). We have faith, but I think the part we are (I am) missing is the expression of it through love.

What are some things from the life of Paul that inspire you in your walk with Christ?

Why do YOU wanna be like Paul?