1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV)

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. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Reflection:

If you were to ask random people on the street what they thought about someone willingly becoming a slave or a servant, many would probably say that person is a fool, asserting that our freedom to live
however we like is one of the most important rights to cling onto. Was Apostle Paul just foolish to use his freedom to become a “slave to all”? On the contrary Paul would argue that he is living the freest life! Paul had tasted epic freedom for himself, and it forever reoriented his perspective on life. Paul was truly free to embrace who he was called to be in Christ and to live now with eternal purpose.  Knowing that he was no longer defined by religious customs and worldly behaviors, he could freely become “all things to all people” for the sake of winning them to Christ.  How freeing it is to live this way!

Response:

Let’s not use our freedom for our self-interest, rather like Apostle Paul, let’s live as servants with the amazing privilege of sharing the Gospel with others.  We are free now to embrace God’s amazing and
eternal purpose for our lives.  Let’s pray that our lives may be used even more to serve our generation with the love and humility of Christ.  As we pray in this way, let’s claim salvation for as many as possible on our campuses, in our communities, and at our workplaces!