The Bad, the Good, the Former Life

For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.   I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers.  Galatians 1:13-14

Observant
I have grown up hearing many times of the radical transformation of Paul from Saul, the one who persecuted and tried to destroy the church.  It was a radical transformation to be sure.  Something new has become part of the picture.  In the first chapter of Galatians, Paul is characterizing his previous life and  admits to that whole destroying the church thing.  However he goes on to speak of his former self in what seem like positive terms - advancing in Judaism, exceeding his peers and passionate about traditions.  These are qualities that many would have recognized as good, but Paul discovered came up short.

Journey
I've always liked the church.  I certainly have never sought to destroy it.  I get along well with most Christians.  The worst I've ever wished on anyone was a bad rash.  I do pretty well at obeying the 10 Commandments.  How then do I identify with Paul?  I think it's in my own claims to "goodness."  I could write similar words to his.  I was advancing in Nazareneness, following rules pretty well when compared to those around me.  I was untouchable when it came to outward signs of ritual holiness and possessed a relationship with Christ that I inherited from my parents . . . but I still needed Christ.  I, like Paul, have no goodness of my own.  I need Christ and His sacrifice.