“If we have sown spiritual things among you, is it too much if we reap material things from you? If others share this rightful claim on you, do not we even more? Nevertheless, we have not made use of this right, but we endure anything rather than put an obstacle in the way of the gospel of Christ.
“Do you not know that those who are employed in the temple service get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in the sacrificial offerings? In the same way, the Lord commanded that those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel.
“But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting. For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting… Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.
“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:11-23
Paul lays out a clear argument that he has every right to receive material support from others for his work of ministry. But more that holding onto what he rightfully deserved and could request, he takes opportunity to convey all he’s willing to relinquish for the sake of the gospel. He would give anything, even his life, that others might eternally gain. (Philippians 3:8)
There are freedoms and rights we enjoy as God’s children, and how we manage them reveals our priorities toward those in our influence. How willing are we to surrender rights for Christ’s sake, and to win others? Jesus gave everything for our salvation, yet we grip time and trinkets as though they’re ours to control.
How can we practically follow the example of Christ and the apostle? Do we value more our earthly due, or the eternal lives of those around us? What can I give, of time or treasure, to further the gospel today?
Lord, set aflame a passion of love for the lost, that I spend myself wholeheartedly for others’ gain and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 