UNASHAMEDLY YOURS | KAIROS GLOBAL | APRIL 2025

Author: Anil Israel

Intro: Reflecting on the transformation of St Paul and his intense life as a missionary, Anil Israel invites us to introspect upon our commitment and call as followers of Christ. 

Among the followers of the way of the Lord, St Paul stands tall as an outstanding example of one who lived the life of a Christian. Born as Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin (Philippians 3:5) at Tarsus in Cilicia, educated according to the strict manner of the law under Gamaliel (cf. Acts 22:3), initially persecuted the church of God (1 Corinthians 15:9) but eventually went on to be the apostle of the Gentiles (Romans 11:13). He even authored the largest number of books in the New Testament.

While on the road to Damascus, he was struck blind by a light from heaven. For three days he was without sight (Acts 9:9). This, being in the absence of light, surely must have caused him to hit rock-bottom and ponder on what he could be doing for the rest of his life. God in His mercy, paved a way for his sight to be restored, for God had a great plan for a converted Saul. After his sight was restored, Saul became Paul and lived a radically transformed life. 

His drastic conversion played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in the first century. The Church celebrates the Feast of the Conversion of St Paul on 25 January. May we learn to draw our attention to what a transformed life ought to look like. As we carefully examine our Saviour’s life and the lives of His faithful, may we endeavour to expand our humble efforts to imitate Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Paul calls himself as one abnormally born (1 Corinthians 15:8), for his early life was a counter example. When we look at our old self – before our Christ encounter, we too can relate to having hardly done anything for Christ. However, after our Christ encounter, if we are to examine our transformed lives, are we able to identify something significantly done for Christ? 

Paul claims to have two drastically astonishing experiences – to have been transported, in some sense, to the third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2) and to have been given a thorn in the flesh… to keep him from being too elated (2 Corinthians 12:7).  We too need to experience moments of divine intimacy to be able to relate to heavenly closeness and at the same time not to be puffed up with spiritual experiences, but to remain aware of our human limitations so that we may continuously rely only on Him.

Anyone who has encountered the risen Saviour, by virtue of becoming a member of the family of the faithful, inherently receives the call to respond to the great commission to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). The Book of Acts records Paul’s three missionary journeys. A missionary is one who is always on the move for the work in the Lord’s vineyard. Zeal for souls is what kept Paul on the move. For his sake I have thrown everything away; I consider it all as mere garbage, so that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8). Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:16). May we too be motivated by Paul’s enthusiasm and echo: Christ’s love compels us (2 Corinthians 5:14).

Paul embraced immense suffering for the sake of the Gospel. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I have been shipwrecked; a night and a day I have been adrift at sea (2 Corinthians 11:25). In my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions (Colossians 1:24). Am I willing to endure persecution to bear witness to the Gospel?

Paul lived a life totally dedicated to the Lord. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21). It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me (Galatians 2:20). If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord (Romans 14:8). To whom do I belong? We do not belong to ourselves, for we have been bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:20). Am I living my life for Jesus?

If we consciously embrace every cross sent our way, we too can become a joyful contradiction wherever we are. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there (Galatians 5:24). Am I willing to let my old-selfish-self be put to death, and be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)? When we let go of our stinking fallen nature and emit the radiance of good works, by putting faith into action, we opt to personify a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice that pleases God (Ephesians 5:2).

Holy Scripture repeatedly exhorts us to will the good of the other by offering our lives as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) and make a sincere gift of ourselves for the wellbeing of others, for we are the sweet fragrance of Christ to God (2 Corinthians 2:15). What am I doing about it? What have I done for Christ? What am I doing for Christ? What ought I to do for Christ? If not me, then who? If not now, then when? If not here, then where? 

May the exceedingly abundant (1 Timothy 1:14) grace of our Lord and the inspiring witness of St Paul encourage us in our pursuit to be a servant of Christ Jesus… set apart for the gospel of God (Romans 1:1). May we too learn to echo his words: I am unashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God (Romans 1:16). Let us heed to the words of our Lord in the Gospel: Those who are ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of them the Son of Man will also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38). 

Let our daily prayer be: Only one life, ’twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last. (Charles Thomas Studd, British Missionary). Lord, what do you want me to do? (Acts 9:6; 20:10). Teach me to be unashamedly yours.