Tuesday
I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. (vs 23)
As I read this chapter, I can feel Paul’s frustration (and hurt) that his critics have had on him. None of us like to be criticized in a way that is uncalled for or based on partial facts or half truths. But whenever you are in a position of leadership, no matter where it might be… you are always subject to someone trying to find fault with the way you are doing things. I have been reading Franklin Graham’s autobiography entitled “Rebel with a Cause” and in it he talks about the people who criticized his father, the renowned and well respected, Billy Graham. It was almost like they were looking for a reason to not have to believe him. I’m not sure why this seems to be a human condition but it never ceases to amaze me how brutal and vicious people can be when complaining about someone else.We see it happen everywhere, but you would think that within the ranks of the Christian fellowship, we would be more gracious. Well for Paul apparently that answer is no.
So Paul defends himself and puts to rest the opposition to his call to ministry and his position within the church.
Paul knows that in order to win people to Christ you sometimes have to put yourself in their place. I think Paul also (knowing the heart of man) understood that people like to please themselves and that too often they aren’t willing to listen to a different way of thinking and so he shares his willingness to “find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.” (vs 22).He could help people, because he had thought, felt and experienced what they were thinking, feeling and experiencing.When people find out that you truly care for them first… then there is a greater chance they will listen to you. Paul was basically saying “when I was with the Jews I followed the Law, when I was with the Greeks I spoke to them in a way they would understand.” (You might remember his sermon in Acts 17 to the Athenians.)
Paul admitted to the Jews that for many years he thought as they did, and behaved just like them. Galatians 1:13-14. The message of the Gospel that Paul preached was for everyone. And so he lived humbly alongside of them, serving in every way. He never considered himself better than anyone else and in so doing was able to encourage them to trust God as he had. The hope then was that they would come to know Christ as he knew Christ and that they would share together in God’s mercy and grace.
The lesson for today is no different, love God, love people and just keep sharing the Gospel in ways that people will understand and give their lives over to Jesus.
Paul likens our efforts to that of an athlete. Run the race to win… put every effort that you have into winning. When you set that goal, you have to train hard and be willing to sacrifice. In the end the winning crown won’t be something that fades away… it will be something that is eternal. That’s the final outcome we want when we encounter people. We want to see their lives changed for all eternity.
Grace and Peace
Pastor Kathy