“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.” – 1 Corinthians 9:19
Paul understood that he was completely free in Jesus Christ. He’d spent years contemplating the Scriptures and the power of the Gospel in his own life. Faith in Jesus had set him free from sin, from death, and from legalism. He also understood that his freedom in Christ was a blessing he must use to reach more people who needed Jesus. He knew the world was full of Jews and Gentiles who needed to believe the good news that Jesus came, lived, died, and rose from the dead so their sins could be forgiven. They needed to hear. They needed to listen. So that they would have a chance to believe.
He used his freedom not to indulge himself but to serve those who didn’t yet believe in the Lord. He poured out his life, his energy, his time, and his resources to reach anyone he possibly could reach with the gospel. He became like them so they would listen to him. He immersed himself into every place he went in the desperate desire to preach the gospel to as many people as he possibly could, so that some would respond and believe.
We’re told in Scripture to imitate his example. If Jesus is your Lord, then you are also free. Free to live forever. Free as a child of the One True King. Free to serve anyone and everyone who doesn’t yet know Jesus. Are you serving them? Are you devastated by the thought that most people you encounter will spend eternity separated from God? What are you willing to do to reach them? Are you willing to freely let go of your preferences, comforts, and conveniences to help other people LIVE? Are you pouring out your time, talent, and treasure so that others will join you in God’s eternal presence? #FollowJesus