Christ has made us free. Christians are free from the power of sin as we resist and choose righteousness. We are free from trying to prove anything by releasing and sharing the love of Christ with others. We are free from fear, guilt, condemnation, and from anything trying to restrain us from a thriving relationship with our Holy God. The mature Christian life is about living in Christ’s image and with his desire to fulfill God’s purpose: to build a rapport with people through love, discipline, empathy, humility, and by making a connection based on common ground—our humanity that needs a godly overhaul.
In our passage today, Paul is sharing with the early believers in Corinth. They have spent their time living inward and arguing among themselves rather than allowing God to make them effective for sharing the gospel message. Paul reminds these believers: 1) It is Christ’s church and we are his servants; 2) To create opportunities for building a Bridge of love; 3) To be flexible, in the Spirit, by not demanding our own way, but by pointing to the righteousness of Christ’s way; and 4) The ongoing need for repeating and demonstrating the message that salvation comes by faith and surrendering one’s life to Christ. Jesus must be Lord of every heart—this brings eternal life.
We are all human beings living a temporal journey and we must choose to live that life for Jesus. Otherwise, the enemy will twist our lives up with sin, fill us with pride and selfishness, deceive our minds, make us hate one another, and cause us to self-slaughter. Therefore, the only winner in that game is Satan. Christ is righteous, humble, selfless, truth, love, and eternal life. Find freedom in Jesus the Christ and you will find a treasured life worth living.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law,[Greeks] I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
Prayer: Lord, we cling to the freedom you have given us, but we know it must be partnered with discipline and direction. Help us identify the common ground we have with others around us and give us the courage to share your Life and Love with them. Salvation of your world must become our motivation and the message of salvation is that Christ alone can save our human souls. In Jesus’ name. Amen.