SCRIPTURE:
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
OBSERVATION:
Paul’s foundation in Christ launched him into his purpose, ministry, and life assignment. He was able to recognize that in order to see many come to Jesus, he had to learn to become a friend of sinners. We see that in the life of Jesus of having meals criminals and being close with the marginalized. Yet, they never got distracted about certain lifestyles, but instead they influenced to win their hearts to Jesus!
God is going places with every single one of us in certain locations, workplaces, and in our schools with a lost soul in mind. With much discipline and knowledge in Christ, God will use your new found freedom in Him to bring the lost home.
APPLICATION:
One of the passions that God has placed in me is missions. I’ve visited certain places around the world, and as much as I thought that I was going to implore all my knowledge and what I could change, God hits me with a 2 by 4, and says “WRONG!” I had to understand quickly that if I wanted to reach a certain type of people, I had to know their culture, their values, their language and so on!
Paul didn’t get lost in who he was reaching but he found commonality. He didn’t get prideful of his knowledge but was humbled. He didn’t lose sight of his assignment, he saw an opportunity to win as many as possible.
God highlighted people and circles of influences in my life that need Jesus! I want to spend the rest of life winning hearts in heaven even if it may look like being immersed in other cultures and understanding their ways, also by not being distracted but on assignment.
PRAYER:
Jesus, I thank you that you have been a great example of what it looks like to become a friend of sinners. May my heart never rush to push you on people, but may I represent your love well so I see more come to know you. Let me not get distracted or compromised, but to always stay strong in my identity as a child of God! Amen
