The Bible opens our eyes and our minds to the life and times of many wonderful individuals and their legacies. We can read about men and women who strived to execute great deeds, all in the name of their God. Great names like Noah, Abraham, Samson, Moses, Jesus and Mary — just to name a few — have continued to compel and intrigue believers and skeptics since the Bible was canonized and printed for all to read. There are many examples to follow, many characters to imitate and many individuals to light the path of our Christian walk as we follow after Jesus. 
When I think about courage, undying service and being sold out for the Lord, one particular name stands out. If I could name one person every Christian should imitate, it would have to be the Apostle Paul. Paul, who began his life as Saul, originally was from the Mediterranean city of Tarsus. He was a Hebrew of Hebrews, as well as a Roman citizen. Paul was a Pharisee like no other and had zeal to perform the tasks set before him with vigor and enthusiasm. There was just one problem: Paul was running 100 miles an hour in the wrong direction. Have you ever felt like that? As if you were doing all you could but it seemed like you were going the wrong way?
Paul had an experience with Jesus while traveling from Jerusalem to Damascus on a mission to destroy those who followed the Lord. This experience showed Paul the error of his ways and changed his life forever. It was around this time that his name was changed from Saul to Paul and he was given a new direction and a fresh start on life. Paul began to preach and teach the word of God with the same vigor he once had for bringing down the kingdom of God. Nothing could stop him — not prison, not being flogged or being stoned almost to death. Nothing. He was sold out for God and there was nothing anybody could do about it. He lived for God. He knew he would die for God. He was sold out and it showed in his life.
We must ask ourselves this: Who are we following and what are we sold out to? Am I 100 percent dedicated to following God? Maybe we need to have that life-changing experience. He is waiting for you at your local church. He could be at home when you get there or maybe He is speaking to you now. Being sold out starts with an experience with the Lord Jesus.

Johnson is the pastor of Mount Zion Memorial Chapel and a member of the United Ministerial Alliance.