THURSDAY, AUGUST 15, 2019
"Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To 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. To 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. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings." (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)
"Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his holy people,
for those who fear him lack nothing.
The lions may grow weak and hungry,
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing." (Psalm 34:8-10)
The tail end of 1 Corinthians 9 wraps up Paul's conversation on the strong and the weak, where he shares his perspective on living in light of the diversity of people's positions. As highlighted in the passage quoted above, Paul adopted a flexibility in his missions endeavors, committing all "for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings."
While his commentary of adapting to individual cultural situations -- or perspectives on the law -- may seem more appropriate to the precise context of the New Testament, we face the same calculus in our day-to-day living too. Will we choose to engage others where they are? Or will we count the task as too much?
Given the Bible's clarion call to loving our neighbor as ourselves, it seems that Paul's missionary flexibility doesn't just apply to full-time Gospel ministers. Rather, the attitudes he espouses seem relevant for our day-to-day living. Love involves giving and reaching out rather than expecting to receive and for others to conform to our wishes.
Without God's help, the prospect of living flexibility may appear costly -- and potentially unworthy of the effort involved. Still, as David highlights in Psalm 34, our committedness to God's purposes will overflow into blessings in our lives: "The lions may grow weak and hungry,/ but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing." The "king" of the animals would seem to be in control of his destiny, but even they "may grow weak and hungry." In contrast, when we seek God, we will "lack no good thing." This snippet ties closely to Matthew 6:33, Jesus's teaching on seeking first the Kingdom and His righteousness.
How could you incorporate this seeking attitude and direction into your life, particularly displayed in the way you flexibly love others? Whom do you know who you could bless with your presence or encouragement today? What has God placed on your heart for those individuals?
I believe that we will be excited and amazed by God's working through us, humble and small as we are. Yet, when carrying His love, we can become powerful forces of blessing in the lives of others.
Lord God, thank You for showing us Paul's example of missionary flexibility and the testimony of many saints who have sought You wholeheartedly. Help us to trust You enough to live completely for You in our day. Help us to creatively encourage and bless our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Give us the power through Your Holy Spirit to reach beyond our limited strength. In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.
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