1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (New International Version)

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 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. 21 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. 22 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. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Reflection:

Isn’t it interesting that Paul was free, and yet he chose to become slave to everyone?  Being a slave is not what we think of when we talk about freedom.  However, Paul didn’t become slave because this was something he wanted to be, but he chose this way of life so that he may win over as many as possible for the Lord.  As you can see this true freedom that Paul had was regulated by the love of God.  Paul exercised this freedom by becoming slave to everyone for the sake of the gospel.  We too are truly free in Christ, and we can express this freedom by becoming servants to those around us so that they may be saved.  May we do all this for the sake of the gospel that we may share in its blessings.

Response:

Let’s pray that God will help us to live out this true freedom that is regulated by His incredible love for us.  Let’s respond to God’s great love by becoming all things to all people so that by all possible means we might save some.