Galatians 1:18-24

Galatians 1:18-24 
English Standard Version (ESV)

  I like to think that I've done a good job of encouraging people to try my favorite restaurants.  But recommending a restaurant can be a nervous thing -- what if they don't like it?  Even worse, what if they get sick?  I'd feel personally responsible, as though it was my fault that they tried something new based on my recommendation and it didn't work out.  (Yes, I take things too personally.  It's a problem.  I know.)  So I always am a little nervous when I send someone to a place I've enjoyed a good meal -- But I'll still readily recommend my favorite places, because I want to share them.
  That's what Christianity is like as well.  We should want to share this, because we've been given an amazing treasure!  Paul's life and preaching gives wonder to others -- and in what is simply an amazing sentence, they glorify God because of Paul!  He points others to the cross, and they find their way to God!
  Now, I'm sure that everyone's experience wasn't perfect.  Paul didn't promise them a life of ease and wealth.  No, he promised them something greater -- peace that is unobtainable anywhere else, and a deeper joy than any material thing can provide.  He promised riches, but that doesn't necessarily mean money!  Life wouldn't be easy, and it wouldn't be clean, but the rewards are well worth any sacrifice.  Paul's life is a testament to hardship, but also to the surpassing glory of the heavenly kingdom that pulls us onward in faithfulness. 
  May others see our lives and give glory to God!