What is the measure of a great man? Is it his bank account; social prestige; power over others? No, one is not great because of who he is or what he has, but because of what he is and what he does. This is exemplified in the apostle Paul, one of the great men of history. He is not the only one, but is who we now consider. Why was he a great man?

He changed when he knew he was wrong. He was once one of the great enemies of Christianity, “making havoc of the church” (Acts 8:3), and “persecuted it” (Gal. 1:13 ). But now he is one of her great champions! He preached the faith which he once destroyed (Gal. 1:23 ), and worked unceasingly toward her growth. One who will not change upon learning he is wrong shows a spirit of stubbornness and littleness.

He felt godly sorrow for his sin. He did what he did in good conscience (Acts 23:1), but that did not make it right. He was not like some that are only sorry they got caught in some situation. Only godly sorrow can produce true repentance (2 Cor. 7:10 ),  and only true repentance can be demonstrated in a changed course of conduct. Paul’s conduct after his conversion showed true repentance on his part. He admitted to his past conduct, and was thankful to God that he was able to make the change (1 Tim. 1:12 -13).

In his humility, he had self respect. Humility does not mean that one is a coward. Paul was humble; of that there can no question, but at the same time we see him in a bold self-defense (Acts 23:3). He refused to be intimidated (Acts 16:35 -40). He maintained his rights, yet remained humble in spirit in spite of his scathing rebukes against ungodly men.

He was able to compare values and choose the best. In this regard, he was much like Moses (cf. Heb. 11:24 -26). He had a rich background; a heritage that any Jew would be proud of. He had been a Pharisee (Acts 23:6; Phil. 3:5-6). He was educated under the great Gamaliel (Acts 22:3), and far surpassed others his own age (Gal. 1:14 ). All of these were great advantages. Yet look what he did with them! He “counted them loss for Christ” (Phil. 3:7), and knew what was best (Phil. 1:21 -23). Paul had no problem choosing between values!

He never looked back. The things he left behind no longer held his affection. He said he “forgot them” (Phil. 3:13 -14). Many, upon obeying the gospel, are still concerned with things left behind more than they are with what lies ahead. They are like Israel of old, who in their hearts “turned back to Egypt ” (Acts 7:39 ). Who are those who “look back?” Generally they are those with too much conscience to quit the Lord, and not enough religion to be totally faithful! They are like Lot ’s wife (Gen. 19:26) and longingly look back to what they left behind. Remember what Jesus said about those who look back (Lk. 9:26 )!

He had a purpose. Many do not know what Christianity is all about. They wander aimlessly, never getting anything done; never making any spiritual progress in their lives. The are like those Paul wrote to Timothy about – “ever learning and never coming to a knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 3:7). But Paul had a purpose; he didn’t just “beat the air” (1 Cor. 9:26 ). His purpose was to preach to as many as possible (Rom. 1:15 ), even considering this a debt (Rom. 1:14 ). But some just sit still, “spinning their wheels” with no apparent purpose in life.

Finally, Paul had faith in the outcome. Again, many lack the sort of faith Paul had. It often comes out in statements like, “I sure hope I go to heaven,” etc. Such doubts are a result of not doing all that is possible to gain heaven!  Paul’s faith was stronger than that. He said, “I know who I have believed …” (2 Tim. 1:12 ). There was not a doubt in Paul’s mind that he had a crown of life awaiting him (2 Tim. 4:8). He never questioned that, and should serve us as an example of how to have faith in the outcome of our lives as Christians.

Yes, Paul was a great man – because of these simple things. And a wonderful thing about this is that it can be said of you and me; of every child of God – if we will work at it!  - Bill Moseley

Common sense is a commodity in short supply it seems, and it gets shorter and shorter as time goes by. One would think God never gave man a brain to hear some of the “experts” tell it. I hesitate to give you this example, but I read it with my own eyes. One of our “small appliances” called an iron died the other day. Had to have a new one, so Willie can make sure I don’t look sloppy when I appear in the pulpit! Anyhow, went shopping (one of my least favorite things to do) for a new iron, and so found one that made Willie happy. On the way home she was reading the instructions, and came across one in the “do’s” and “don’ts” section. Yeah, it really said: “Do not iron clothes while wearing them.” I nearly drove off the road – but I read it for myself – and there it was!

The Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch told of a couple. A warning on an electric router said: “This product not intended for use as a dental drill.” Really? Or how about this one dealing with a novelty rock garden, called Popcorn Rock. It said: “Eating rocks may lead to broken teeth.” Boy, I’m glad to know that; never would have figured it out!

God has blessed us with a wonderful organ called a “brain.” But to hear the “politically correct” crowd tell it, as they push for all kinds of insane laws, you would never know it. Trivial things, you say? Well, maybe so. But its not so trivial when we start hearing of outlandish religious practices around us, all of which are too numerous to deal with here. Especially in this field we need to be warned – no telling what people might try in order to be saved! - Bill Moseley