7/17/13:

TFTD: “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessing.” 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

When was the last time that you ran a race or competed for a prize? What was the outcome? In chapter 9 of 1 Corinthians Paul is talking to the people of Corinth about a race where “all the runners run, but only one receives the prize” (v. 24). It seems as though the world trains its team of runners to only ever focus on that one prize. That prize of self service, and making your way to the top by your own doing. But we run a different kind of race. It’s a race against time. It’s a race to take the message of the gospel to all the ends of the world so that all can hear it and be saved. Paul even gives us the reminder that we run for an imperishable prize and we all get to win. He also tells us how he is running the race which is an awesome but very difficult way to run. “I have become all things to all people…” (v. 22). In simple terms, we are to meet people where they are at to reach them in the best possible way. That’s pretty easy right? Not! It is hard to go to people who are different than we are and tell them about Jesus because it is too comfortable to run our own race. We get stuck in this pattern of I. I am doing the best that I can. I am running so well. I am pulling away. I am going to win. When really we are called to a life of we. Let me help you so that we can finish the race. We are running so well. We are pulling away, let’s go back and get others. We are going to win. What a statement that is. We are going to win! We could even alter that a little and say WE ARE WINNING! We are winning because our God is amazing and has shed His life for us so that we can not only finish the race laid out for us but win the race and receive the everlasting prize of eternal life with Him. So I challenge you today to look for those around you who need a leg up in the race. Go meet them where they are and walk with them for a while. Maybe then you can jog with them, and maybe even run with them. How cool would that be?

“Winners evaluate themselves in a positive manner and look for their strengths as they work to overcome weaknesses.” –Zig Ziglar