I Corinthians 9

I Corinthians 9  Paul explains that as God's servant he has given up his rights to financial support, as well as entitlement to bring a wife along with him, and also to any other liberties that were his right.

 He has given these things up for one reason - " And I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it." ( v23)

Paul likens his life as God's servant to one of an athlete preparing for they Olympics. He is running to win.  He is disciplining himself to be the best he can be.  He has one goal - the "imperishable" reward of a "crown that will last forever".  

Jesus calls us to lay down our lives, take up our crosses, and follow Him.  This was Paul's message and he lived it out as an example to follow.  He had every right to financial support.  He had every right to be honored as God's ambassador. But, he laid down his rights as he laid down his life.. for Christ Jesus. 

In our current culture, we find few people who are willing to lay down their selfish desires.. let alone their lives.  It is impossible for unbelievers to even think of such a thing. "For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die." ( Romans 5:7)

But, Paul doesn't stop there...

 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8) Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends, if you do what I command you." ( John 15: 13-14) "I am the good Shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep." ( John 10:11) 

What are "rights" in comparison to eternal life?  We are prone to argue and to insist and to even fight for our "rights".  It's American!  Yet, in light of these truths from God's Word... how should we live?

Father, we are Your humble servants in need of Your wisdom, the wisdom that is from above, that which is "...pure... peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering,  without hypocrisy".. ( James 3:17).  We ask that You would strengthen us in our inner selves that we might run this race, fight this fight.. to win the crown that is imperishable. Help us to surrender all to You.  To lay down our lives, take us our crosses, and follow Jesus! We are weak. We are selfish. We desperately need You to transform our minds and our wills.. that we might pray from our hearts.. "Your will be done!"   We pray this in Jesus'  Name, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us. Amen.