Today, I wish to address a topic that, for some, is as old as time, and for others, as fresh as the morning dew - our calling to serve. In an era where the "self" often becomes the center of the universe, it's worth recalling the words of Apostle Paul quoted today. This man, an incredibly active traveler, showed us that service is not an option on the life's menu that one can simply skip. Evangelization is our royal main course!
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! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 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. Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 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. 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. 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. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
1 CORINTHIANS 9, 16 - 23 (NIV)
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