Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9: 16-27
16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel. 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. 24 Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.
Today's Meditation:
From the moment Paul met Jesus on the Damascus road, he was destined to preach the gospel. Everywhere he went he spoke about the Risen Christ to any, and all who would listen. He was so compelled to preach the gospel that he looked for any connection, any avenue, any approach, any opportunity, and any situation to share with individuals and groups of people.
We may not have the singular drive that Paul had to share Jesus with others, but we have and are presented with the same opportunities to do so. Whether we share Jesus with others verbally or show the love of Jesus by acts of service and kindness, we introduce, or in the words of Paul, “win as many as possible” to the Person of Jesus. In this Lenten season and beyond, may these opportunities present themselves to you.
Prayer:
Loving and Gracious God, allow me this Lenten season to be attuned to share the Good News with others. Whether through speech or actions, may you bless my efforts in this regard. Amen.
Jesse G. Mabanglo