Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-27
Do you think Paul was feeling underappreciated? I’m trying to discern how he may have been feeling as he wrote these words. I can tell you from years of serving in churches that the leaders often feel like they are taken for granted and left to fend for themselves. Pastors and their families can feel like they live on an island, often misunderstood and lonely. I wonder if Paul was feeling like that.
Clearly, word had gotten back to Paul that people were questioning his authority. I’m sure pastors who don’t shy from controversy and stand firmly on Biblical principles often fight that battle. People don’t always understand the “why” behind what is being taught. For Paul, he must have been encountering financial difficulties as well as a result.
You have to respect Paul for wanting the people to keep the focus on what matters. He explained he “would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.” I’ve seen many preachers and Christian teachers over the years who do become that obstacle. They seek to be the one who receives the glory and fame, and eyes shift off Jesus in their direction. It’s tragic, really. Paul makes a good point.
Verse 14 surprised me a bit. “In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it.” That’s why my husband received a salary to get up every Sunday and preach the Word of God. It’s a command from God; isn’t that cool! Beyond the pay, the honor that comes from serving God and speaking truth is priceless. Boasting about the mighty power of God is energizing.
What Paul teaches about how we can reach others for Christ is so valuable. We need to be like them to gain their trust. We need to find common ground so that walls come down and the truth of God’s Word can penetrate. The Holy Spirit is active in that whole process. While it’s our job to find those interests that bond us with unbelievers, it’s the Holy Spirit working in their hearts to convict them. As Jesus tells us about the Holy Spirit in John 16:8, “And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”
Not everyone that you connect with on a worldly basis will see Jesus. We also know that the world thinks we’re a little crazy for believing and trusting in Jesus. You may recall Paul told the Corinthians before that “The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God.” (1 Corinthians 1:18). We need to cling to that power and pray for opportunities to share with others about the truth.
If life is like a race we all run, spending eternity with Jesus becomes the prize we can all win. Shouldn’t we want everyone we know, especially our loved ones, to be running the race, fully aware of the prize and how to obtain it? Look for that common ground that will help give you the opening to share the best news of all.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you for running this race of life alongside me. You have set the bar for us and stand by, cheering us on and giving us the power we need to run into your arms of mercy. I pray for encouragement for pastors and missionaries everywhere who are seeking to serve you and bring honor to your name. Help us all find common ground with those who are lost and give us the openings to share about your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
