Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:12-21 If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.
Don’t you know that those who serve in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.
But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me, for I would rather die than allow anyone to deprive me of this boast. For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.
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.
Devotional: Jesus didn’t come to take sides. He came to take over. There is something that we can learn from that sentiment. Yes, there are Biblical truths that we believe and can stand on. But we can also recognize that, much like the way that Jesus lived His life, we can live our lives with our top priority being the pursuit of all nations hearing the Gospel and ushering in the Kingdom of God.
We recognize that there are many factors that shape a person’s worldview: background, education, and personal experiences are just a few. All these factors and more contribute to the lens through which an individual views things. Thankfully, we all can look to the Bible, the very Word of God, for the ultimate truth. But what about the things that the Bible doesn’t teach on? How do we handle those?
We have the opportunity to approach these topics with an understanding that each person has walked their own path in life. That path is going to influence how they view these issues. Our opinions on matters of tax policy, education, exports, and military involvement are all shaped by our lives and experience. When addressing these issues, it is important that we listen to those who hold different beliefs than us. There is much that we can learn about others and about these issues when we do so. And, when we approach in this way, we have the opportunity to love people who may disagree with us politically. When we love other well, whether we agree with them or disagree with them, we have the opportunity to share about Jesus and further His Kingdom. Just like Jesus did during His ministry.
Reflect:
- Who is someone that you can sit with and listen to that may have different political views than you?
- Take the time to listen to them and take notes on a few things that you learn.
