Read: Acts 9:1-19
Saul rose from the ground, and although his eyes were opened, he saw nothing. (v. 8)

Before Paul was an apostle, he was a persecutor. Before he knew how to love his neighbors, he practiced hunting them down like animals. Before he spent his life directing people to Christ, he did everything possible to derail the church’s mission.

This all changed when the brilliance of Christ’s light finally ended Saul’s reign of terror. Once filled with vigor and vitriol, Saul now found himself completely blinded, helpless, and humbled. Paul was reborn in the fertile soil of such humility. This wasn’t merely a name change. His complete conversion to Christ happened at the foot of the cross. His leadership in Christ’s church began only after he surrendered to the gift of grace.

There are many qualities to good leadership. It doesn’t take long to notice a leader’s authenticity, work ethic, capacity to motivate, and ability to listen. Good leaders are a great gift to the wider work of the church. Our churches, businesses, schools, governments, and nonprofit organizations all need good leaders. And yet, Paul’s dramatic conversion reminds us that our leadership as Christians always begins at the foot of the cross. Only when we humble ourselves before God are we glorified. Only when our posture is that of sacrifice are we acting out of love. Only when our eyes are blinded by Christ’s glory can we lead with true vision.

Prayer:
Lord, in your grace may we see with your vision.

Author: Karsten Voskuil