Indeed, in all aspects of life, “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2, first part). Truly, this proverb reminds us that as individuals, we often perceive our actions and decisions as right—even if by looking objectively, that might not really be the case. This reveals the subjective nature of perception, emphasizing how we tend to justify our behavior based on our own perspectives and beliefs. It is because “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9).

“No man can of himself understand his errors. . . . In one way only can a true knowledge of self be obtained. We must behold Christ. It is ignorance of Him that makes men so uplifted in their own righteousness. When we contemplate His purity and excellence, we shall see our own weakness and poverty and defects as they really are. We shall see ourselves lost and hopeless, clad in garments of self-righteousness, like every other sinner. We shall see that if we are ever saved, it will not be through our own goodness, but through God’s infinite grace.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 159.

The perspective of thinking that our ways are always right shifts when we encounter Christ, as it challenges us instead to align our actions and decisions with His teachings and principles.

“The mind that resists the truth will see everything in a perverted light. It will be fastened in the sure toils of the enemy, and view things in the light of the enemy.”—The SDA Bible Commentary [E. G. White Comments], vol. 6, p. 1057. Therefore, this encounter can bring about a transformation in our perception, guiding us towards a more objective understanding of what is truly right and wrong. Absolutely, the transformation of Saul (Acts 9) of Tarsus, who became the apostle Paul after encountering Jesus on the road to Damascus, is a powerful example of this principle. Before his encounter with Christ, Saul believed he was doing the right thing by persecuting Christians. However, his encounter with Jesus challenged his perceptions and ultimately led to a radical transformation in his beliefs and behavior. This illustrates how encountering Christ can profoundly change our understanding of right and wrong, leading us to align our lives with His teachings and example.

Accepting to be led by Christ, as Paul did, involves a profound transformation of heart and mind. “God calls after you again. He seeks to reach you, girded about with selfishness as you are, and covered with the cares of this life. He invites you to withdraw your affections from the world and place them upon heavenly things. In order to know the will of God, you must study it, rather than follow your inclinations and the natural bent of your own mind. ‘What wilt Thou have me to do?’ should be the earnest, anxious inquiry of your heart.”—Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, pp. 53, 54. In Acts 9:6, when Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus, he asked, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” This moment marked the beginning of Paul’s journey of surrender and obedience to Christ’s leading.

Paul’s willling acceptance to be led by Christ is beautifully articulated in Galatians 2:20, where he says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” This verse illustrates Paul’s complete submission to Christ’s authority and guidance in his life. Moreover, in Romans 12:1, 2, Paul urges believers to present their bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, which is their true and proper worship. He emphasizes the importance of not conforming to the patterns of this world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind, so that we may discern God’s will.

In following Paul’s example, accepting to be led by Christ requires a daily commitment to dying to self and allowing Christ to live through us. It involves aligning our thoughts, desires, and actions with His teachings and example, as we seek to fulfill His purposes and glorify His name in all that we do.

Paul’s acceptance to be led by Christ is characterized by his relentless focus on the future rather than by dwelling on his past. Despite his past as a persecutor of Christians, Paul embraced the future with unwavering faith and determination. In Philippians 3:13, 14, Paul writes, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of letting go of past mistakes and failures—and instead fixing his gaze on the future prize of eternity with Christ.

“He who would build up a strong, symmetrical character, he who would be a well-balanced Christian, must give all and do all for Christ; for the Redeemer will not accept divided service. Daily he must learn the meaning of self-surrender. He must study the word of God, learning its meaning and obeying its precepts. Thus he may reach the standard of Christian excellence. Day by day God works with him, perfecting the character that is to stand in the time of final test. And day by day the believer is working out before men and angels a sublime experiment, showing what the gospel can do for fallen human beings.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 483.

Rather than allowing his past to haunt him, Paul channeled his energy and focus into advancing the kingdom of God and spreading the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” This profound realization enabled Paul to move forward with confidence, knowing that he was a new creation in Christ, liberated from the chains of his past. Paul’s acceptance to be led by Christ propelled him to endure numerous trials and hardships for the sake of the gospel, all while keeping his eyes fixed on the ultimate hope of glory. In Romans 8:18, he explains that “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” This forward-looking perspective empowered Paul to persevere through adversity, knowing that the future glory far outweighed any present challenges.

In essence, Paul’s acceptance to be led by Christ was characterized by a steadfast focus on the future hope and promise of salvation, rather than being hindered by the regrets and burdens of the past. He embraced the future with faith, zeal, and an unwavering commitment to fulfill God’s purposes in his life.

Paul’s transformation for service exemplifies the power of God to change lives and use even the most unlikely individuals for His purposes. Formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, Paul was a zealous persecutor of Christians until he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. This encounter not only resulted in Paul’s conversion but also marked the beginning of his transformation for service.

In Acts 9, we see how Paul’s encounter with Jesus radically transformed his life. Blinded by a bright light, he heard Jesus speak to him, asking, “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4).

This encounter left Paul physically blinded but spiritually awakened to the reality of the lordship of Christ. “Upon the soul of the stricken Jew the image of the Saviour’s countenance was imprinted forever. The words spoken struck home to his heart with appalling force. Into the darkened chambers of his mind there poured a flood of light, revealing the ignorance and error of his former life and his present need of the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit.”—The Acts of the Apostles, p. 115.

Paul’s transformation for service is evident in his subsequent actions. Despite his past as a persecutor, he became one of the most influential figures in early Christianity, spreading the gospel tirelessly across the Roman Empire. He endured numerous hardships, including beatings, imprisonment, and shipwrecks, all for the sake of advancing the kingdom of God.

In his letters, Paul often referred to himself as a servant or bondslave of Christ, highlighting his complete devotion to serving God’s purposes. In Romans 1:1, he introduces himself as “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God.” This demonstrates how Paul’s transformation for service was rooted in his understanding of his identity and calling in Christ. Moreover, Paul’s transformation empowered him to become a beacon of hope and encouragement to others. In Philippians 4:13, he declares, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me,” showcasing his unwavering faith in God’s ability to equip him for every task, because “whenever man accomplishes anything, whether in spiritual or in temporal lines, he should bear in mind that he does it through cooperation with his Maker. There is great necessity for us to realize our dependence on God.”—Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 82.

In sum, Paul’s transformation for service serves as a powerful reminder of God’s ability to transform lives and use them for His glory. It inspires believers to surrender their lives to God’s transformative work, trusting that He can use them to accomplish His purposes beyond their wildest imagination.

Paul’s transformation for service stands as a testament to the transformative power of God in the lives of individuals. From a zealous persecutor to a fervent apostle, Paul’s journey exemplifies how God can radically change hearts and equip His servants for impactful service. As we reflect on Paul’s story, let us be reminded that no one is beyond God’s reach and transformation. Regardless of our past mistakes or shortcomings, God can use us for His kingdom if we are willing to surrender our lives to Him.

Therefore, dear youth, I plead with you to consider the example of Paul and allow God to transform you for service. Surrender your heart and will to Him, trusting in His ability to work through you for His glory. Let us all heed the call to action by actively seeking God’s transformation in our lives. Through prayer, study of His Word, and obedience to His leading, let us open ourselves to His transformative work. May we be vessels of His love, grace, and truth in a world in need of His redeeming power. In doing so, we can indeed join Paul in proclaiming, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Let us embrace this truth and step boldly into the calling God has placed on our lives, trusting in His strength to guide and empower us every step of the way.