Episode 164: 1 Corinthians 9

Today's meditation is on 1 Corinthians Chapter 9

I am completely free and unrestrained. I have had a personal encounter with Jesus, and continue to see him face-to-face. My life is joined to the Lord. 

As I am spiritually plowing and spiritually treading out the grain, I labor with the expectation of enjoying the harvest. Preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I can't take the credit for my labors. I am compelled by God to fulfill my duty. It would be agony to me if I didn't share the gospel of my Lord. 

God has given me this sacred trust. It's not my idea, but God's, who commissioned me. As a follower of Christ, I have been entrusted with the stewardship of the gospel. So then, where is my reward? It is found in continually depositing the good news into people's hearts, without obligation, free of charge. Freely I have received, and freely I give. 

Even though I am a free woman with no master, I joyfully make myself a servant to all people to win as many converts as possible to Christ. When I am with those who follow religious law, I too live under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law. I do this so I can bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with those who do not follow religious law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.

When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Wherever I go, I try to find common ground with everyone, adapting to the culture, so that I can more easily win people to Christ. I do this as God's partner for the sake of sharing the blessings of the gospel.

I know that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. So I run to win. Like a true athlete, I am disciplined in every respect, practicing constant self-control -- not to win a prize that will fade away. I run my race for an eternal prize, a victor's crown that will last forever.  So I run, not just for exercise, but with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing throwing aimless punches, but I train like a champion athlete. I subdue my body and get it under control. I train and discipline my body so I won't be disqualified when my race is done.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

-----
Music from Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
https://uppbeat.io/t/sanchii/weather-the-storm
License code: AHARKPJ3ALV0K3YP