For some reason, when I prepared this reading schedule, I assigned 1 Corinthians 8 and 1 Corinthians 9 to today (July 30). I have prepared two separate reflections for each chapter. Don’t forget to read the reflection on chapter 8 below.
SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 9
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. [1 Corinthians 9:19-22, The Message] Why am I a pastor? What compels me to share my faith? Do I do what I do to please people, or to earn a living? Is it right for me to draw a salary for being a pastor? Should church leaders and workers be reimbursed for their work? What motivates us as Jesus-followers to share the love of Jesus? We ought to share the same motivation as Paul, and as Jesus. We do whatever it takes to reach others for God. We even make sacrifices!
For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. [Luke 19:10] Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice in being human, and dying a horrible death, in order to reach and rescue us. His love and sacrifice extended to all people – the whole world – to those lost in sin and destined to perish.
This needs to be our motivation as well. Not to earn God’s favour, not to earn a salary, not to impress people, not to feel better about ourselves – but to reach as many people as possible with the Message. Driven, compelled, motivated by passion and compassion. When I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! [1 Corinthians 9:16]
Who are the people that God is putting in my path? What price am I willing to pay to reach and bless them? Will I put myself out? Will I sacrifice the time and energy? Will I adjust my schedule for them? Will I forfeit a freedom or an opportunity, if it will help them experience God’s love? Do I see them just like me, lost and destined to perish, apart from God’s mercy and love?
As the Father sent Jesus, He also sends me.
PRAYER:
Lord, open my eyes to see the people around me as God-ordained opportunities to share Your love in word and deed.