Paul resolved to use his freedom as a Christian (see Gal 5:1, 13) to serve God. That meant limiting his freedom at times (refusing to eat meat if that would help someone to become stronger in their faith, for example), secure in the knowledge that he belonged to God alone (see 1 Cor 6:19-20), but choosing to serve his Christian family and the wider community through considerate love, putting other people before himself. Being ‘free of the demands and expectations of everyone’ (1 Cor 9:19, The Message) – a thought worth pondering on in itself, since many of us serve God out of a sense of duty or to live up to other people’s expectations, rather than out of thankful, grateful love – Paul nonetheless chose to serve. In this, he followed Christ’s example (see Phil 2:5-11, Heb 12:1-3), and his choice lent weight to his admonition ‘Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.’ (1 Cor 11:1)
Every day, we face a plethora of choices: what to wear, what to eat, how to travel, for example. More importantly, every day, we face choices as to how we should live. We choose to walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Cor 5:7) We choose to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God, rather than by our feelings or by the opinions of other people. (Matt 4:4) We choose to be thankful and to praise God, regardless of our circumstances (Eph 5:20, see this interview by Gareth & Ali Gilkeson of Rend Collective, talking of their choice to praise despite the pain of miscarriage, lest anyone think that joy is the prerogative only of the naturally happy temperament or propitious circumstances.)
In the same way, evangelism is not simply the choice of the extrovert who is naturally garrulous. Paul says, ‘Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!’ (1 Cor 9:16) The duty to share the good news is not restricted to extroverts or paid Christian workers or those who are fanatical, but the fulfilment of that duty will be the result of the choices we make, choices that are based on an overflow of thankfulness and gratitude because of God’s grace and mercy to us. ‘Our aim, like Paul’s is to save people from the wrath of God and to win them for eternal life; and in loving people like this we prove the reality of our own faith and confirm our participation in the gospel,’ writes John Piper. There are rewards ahead for all who take this responsibility seriously (a ‘crown that will last forever’, see 1 Cor 9:25), but God leaves the choice to us. Let’s be prepared to make right choices!
