Scripture:
I Corinthians 9: 19 – 24
Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. 24Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.
Observation:
Paul is not stuck in traditions that bind Him – he is free. Yet, he does not use his freedom for his gain but to win others by choosing to become a servant. He does not make his life about himself, but is willing to become what he needs to be for the sake of the gospel. He is running in such a way as to get the prize! His choosing to serve is his freedom. He knows he cannot win everyone, but his goal is to catch as many as possible. We too are not responsible to win everyone, but as many as we can. We are responsible to fish, the fish are responsible for their response.
Application:
We all have things we want for ourselves and at times a life that we desire to be lived on our terms. But for the sake of the gospel we must surrender. For the sake of others we must become servants. We could use our freedom of choice for selfish gain but they we would miss sharing in the blessing of the gospel.
Servants have made the choice to be just that, servants. They are doing what Paul is doing, connecting everything he does back a soul, when he says: “I make myself a slave…to win as many as possible. Paul believes that serving catches fish! May we go and do likewise.
Prayer:
Lord, there are things we want, but may we want you more. There are things we can do, but may we do that which causes other fish to be caught. May we be fishers of men with our lives of service using our freedom so others can be bound in your love. In our Savior, Jesus the Servant’s name, Amen.
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