In chapter 1 Paul is writing of his conversion experience in verses 11-24, and in verse 24 he writes, "And they glorified God because of me." As Paul was changed, God was glorified. If you read back through the preceding verses, there is only one person performing the verbs that are taking place in Paul's conversion, and that is God. It was God who set Paul apart, God who called him by His grace and God how was pleased to reveal His Son. And this is no different for anyone who is saved in Christ Jesus.
Paul never got past his radical depravity and his glorious salvation. As Paul recounted his conversion, as the people in Paul's life saw his changed life, and as Paul proclaimed the gospel of Christ, there was one thing that prevailed; this being the God's glorious grace towards him. As I read this my mind immediately began to think through my life and my ministry. Who gets the glory? As I tell of my conversion, am I the main character? Am I the one who figured it out? Am I the one who just decided to turn over a new leaf? Or is God the main character? Is God the one that gets full credit for my salvation, or is He simply a supporting role? And beyond this, what gospel am I preaching? Am I preaching a gospel that revolves around the mercy and grace of a glorious God, or am I preaching a gospel that downplays our sinfulness and teaches just cleaning up our act?
As we look at our lives as believers, our witness to the lost world, we must keep the glory of God at the center. We must cling to the truth of the gospel, and daily live in the truth that it is simply through the mercy and goodness of God that we are saved and live in a way that people, as they see our lives and hear our story, glorify God because of us.
"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God." 1 Corinthians 10:31 ESV
