We are all runners in this race, we call life. I like that analogy, but Paul also says that only one can win the race. That’s true in a race of the world, but in the race of life, we can all win the prize of eternal life so long as we are running with Christ. But aside from the image Paul leaves us with, he also challenges us from the start of this passage.
I can’t help but think of all my friends and colleagues who are running this race as missionaries, like Paul, having to raise their own funds. That can be so daunting. I’m not sure I could do it, that is, asking people for money so that I can have a paycheck. But there lies the problem…the focus on money when it should be a focus on finding new believers and telling people about Jesus. Curious how this expectation is Biblical. That is, those involved in spreading the Gospel “professionally” back in Paul’s day also had to support themselves. I think that makes it even more beautiful, really. People for centuries, those called to be missionaries, all share the challenge of handling God’s sacred trust.
I like verse 19, “[E]ven though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.” We are free indeed, but think a moment on what it means to become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. What does that mean to you? Feel free to share in the comments below. We are all called to bring the good news of Jesus to those around us. Some of us will be charged as missionaries and need to recruit their own funds. I am certainly rethinking my giving to those friends on the front lines.
Let’s pray. Father God you have called each one of us to be soldiers of the faith. Give me a heart like Paul that I would rather die than lose my right to boast about Jesus. Open the hearts of others to be ready to hear what I will be sharing. Thank you for the opportunity to be on fire for you! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
