When I was reading today this stood out because it shows me how when I share the Good News about Christ the blessing comes with it. I understand what the Spirit is saying and that my life should be for living to show others Christ.
In verse 19 Paul says, “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.” What I like about this is Paul never waivers on God’s law but will live by the customs of where he is preaching so he has a chance to reach them for Christ.
In verse 20 he goes on to say, “When I was with Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish laws, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did it so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.”
Paul goes on to say the same thing about when he was with the Gentiles, in verse 21, “When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish 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.”
It is so important for us to see no matter what we do with the different customs we can never sacrifice God’s law to help someone to know Christ. We must remember Christ is the way the truth and the life and when sharing that it never changes, it is constant. How do we make sure we are strong and growing in our faith so we can share the Good News boldly? We look at what Paul says in verses 26-27, “So I run with purpose in every step. I am not shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.”
No matter what the customs or traditions are in our lives we have to train ourselves to know what is right and truth and share the Good News boldly and with courage. This training will help us hear the Spirit and listen so we can “Do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.” Amen