Today’s Reading: 1 Corinthians 9 & 16; Psalm 77
We are always looking to see how we can do things better at the Pregnancy Resource Center. Over and over again, we ask the question, “Are we accomplishing our mission?” We intentionally invest in organizational health and recognize the importance of having cohesive teams. We value our human resources and work hard to bless them for their hard work and diligence.
Paul spent some time doing the same thing for the church in Corinth. He gave them lots of great advice on how to have a healthy church and how to be the body of Christ. As we start wrapping up our study of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, let’s consider Paul’s advice for the Church:
You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well. – 1 Corinthians 16:18b
APPRECIATE YOUR LEADERS
The Church should take care of the financial needs of those called into full-time ministry; Paul makes that clear. But on the other hand, those called should not serve for any kind of earthly reward or favor, but should do it for God and for the eternal prize. When you are called into ministry, you step forward in obedience regardless of the paycheck, because it is something you are compelled by God to do.
The Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it…Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News! If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. – 1 Corinthians 9:14-18a
The opportunity to walk alongside someone else on their journey of grace is priceless; the privilege of sharing the message of salvation with another person is a gift with immeasurable value. Whatever the Lord has asked us to, we do for the joy of knowing God is pleased with our obedience. At times that God-assignment lands us on a church board or finance committee, strategically positioning us to make sure that the pastoral team is being well taken care of.
What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn’t have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn’t allowed to drink some of the milk? – 1 Corinthians 9:7
So Paul gives two charges in his letter to the Corinthians: For the church to take care of their pastors and for the pastors to take care of the church. Both should do this with joyful and willing hearts, allowing the Holy Spirit to make their relationship a reflection of love and genuine compassion (1 Corinthians 13).
We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ. – 1 Corinthians 9:12b
It’s easy for us as leaders to let our focus land on the criticism received on our way out the door or the crankiness of the lay person who did not get what they wanted when they wanted it, but this will only lead to discouragement and frustration. So let’s keep our eyes on the mission of sharing the Good News about Jesus; let’s focus on the One who has called us and serve with purpose.
SERVE WITH PURPOSE
When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings. – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23
Am I doing everything I can? Am I sold out to bringing others into a deeper relationship with Christ? Is my focus on the One who called me so that I can daily experience the satisfaction of obedience and the joy of seeing others give the Lord their “Yes!” Have I lost sight of the prize I originally set out to win?
Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So RUN TO WIN! All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified. – 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
How easy it is for me to take my eyes off of the One who has called me. Too often I find myself focused on what I need or on the wounds of doing ministry. What a great reminder for me this morning — I do what God has called me to do because I am compelled by God to do it. If God has called me, He will equip me. If God is in it, He will bless it.
Lord, forgive me when I start simply going through the motions and ministry becomes routine. I want to run to win, run with purpose, run with my eyes focused on you! Thank you for compelling me towards a mission that I can easily give my life to, as my heart daily reflects yours. I am willing to be used by you for such a time as this. Amen.