1 Corinthians 9:19: “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more;”

May 20th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Here is a paradox that directly affects all those who surrender their lives to Jesus Christ. The impossible is possible—we are called to be free and yet we are to be a servant to all. Even though Paul was not obligated to the believers, he gladly offered himself as a servant to everyone. He was saying that he would serve anyone who would receive him, that more might be reached for the kingdom of God.

Frankly, this is a very challenging statement to me personally. Let me ask you a question that will help you appreciate the dilemma this poses for all of us. Are you willing to serve anyone who asks something of you? We immediately realize that if we say, “Yes,” then there will be times when we are called to love, expecting nothing in return. We will be called on to give time and money to people who will never say thank you. There will be times when we come in early and stay late, and no one will see it.

Of course the reality is that God always notices when we are serving Him and others. If we can just keep centered on Him being the one we serve, it will all be possible. It is when we have expectations of others that we get frustrated with discipleship. God is watching and smiling when we serve Him by serving others. Give it away. You can’t out give God no matter how hard you try. Paul was free to do what he wanted, but bringing people to Jesus was more important to him than freedom

“LORD, help us to be strong in You this day, in Jesus’ name.”