Thoughts for the Day

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe betide me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them.... To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I might by any means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

What things do you do as a Christian to help others, and which of these give you the greatest pleasure? It could be anything from visiting those who are housebound; welcoming people into church; helping a charity; teaching children or adults about God; or doing some shopping or gardening for someone. There are hundreds of ways we can live out our faith - and I am largely talking here to those who do unpaid work, although the question can also be aimed at those who work in paid ministry for the Church. What brings you the most happiness?

This passage from 1 Corinthians, Chapter 9, teaches us a lot about Paul. His work is a privilege and he delights in proclaiming the gospel. He does not want payment, although he has the right to receive some. He wants the Corinthians to see that the work he does is to be regarded in the light of a duty, and as such he is simpye unable to stop doing it. His reward is to continue sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. His last explanation is about how he carries out his work which might strike us as strange. He claims to be "all things to all people". He does not mean he becomes like a chameleon, but rather that he wants to 'walk in a person's shoes' and talk to them about God in a way they would understand.

I remember saying to God in the weeks before I was licensed as a full-time Deaconess, "If you want a teacher then I'm your woman, but anything else, but as for mission or social work, forget it!" But I grew to love many other jobs. Forty years later I've done every job imaginable, but am now back to my roots, and nothing pleases me more when people want to learn about God and about our Lord Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus Christ,
You call us to the mission field -
in our village, town, or work-place.
No-one is exempt from Your call,
but You give us different gifts,
and expect us to use them.
Together, we as the Church
can work tirelessly for the
coming of Your Kingdom,
and between us we can
cover the mission field.
Amen.