“He was a godly man, deeply devoted to the law, and well regarded by all.” Acts 22:12 (NLT)

These words describe Ananias, who led Paul, the greatest apostle, to Christ. This is about as much as we know about Ananias. There is speculation that he was one of the 70 and led the small Christian community in Damascus.

We would do well if this became our goal in life.

Firstly, to be godly. Secondly, to be deeply devoted to reading our Bibles. Thirdly, to have a good reputation amongst all.

If we practised these three things daily, we might be instrumental in leading a ‘Paul’ to Christ.

We don’t need to be involved in evangelistic events to be successful. We don’t even need to run a church, but we do need to be godly and devoted to reading our Bibles and absorbing the truth. We should have a good reputation amongst our neighbours, friends and family.

Make these three things the top priority in your Christian life, and watch the change, not only on yourself but on those around you. Some will pull away and find you ‘too holy’ whilst others will be drawn to the Christ you serve.

Jesus taught the greatest commandment was to:

“You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.”  Matthew 22:37 NLT

Those who seek God’s highest strive to achieve this, and this is how we do it.

Spend time with your Bible. Let your delight be in the teachings of Christ.

“They delight in the law of the Lord, meditating on it day and night.”  Psalm 1:2 (NLT)

And so practise these three things. Examine your heart at the end of each day and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal how you can draw even closer to Him.

Be godly. Devote yourself to reading the Bible. Be a good example to others.

We seek to follow Christ, and the rest we leave with Him. We are called to be faithful, not successful. If He should bring a ‘Paul’ into our lives, we will endeavour to lead them to the One who is changing our hearts and bringing us ever closer to Himself.