– Scripture:

Still, I want it made clear that I’ve never gotten anything out of this for myself, and that I’m not writing now to get something. I’d rather die than give anyone ammunition to discredit me or impugn my motives. If I proclaim the Message, it’s not to get something out of it for myself. I’m compelled to do it, and doomed if I don’t! If this was my own idea of just another way to make a living, I’d expect some pay. But since it’s not my idea but something solemnly entrusted to me, why would I expect to get paid? So am I getting anything out of it? Yes, as a matter of fact: the pleasure of proclaiming the Message at no cost to you. You don’t even have to pay my expenses!

                           1 Corinthians 9:15–18 MSG

– Reflection:

              Freedom with Responsibility

The passage from First Corinthians 9 prompts us to consider the joy of sharing the gospel without expecting anything in return. We could focus on the potential rewards mentioned in the text, but the main point is to avoid becoming entangled with expectations. By setting aside the possibility of a pay-off, Paul is able to operate freely and without the mindset of “if you give me this, then I will do this.”

Where do we go from here?

Even when we think we have cast those aside, it’s never that easy. What would it look like for you to be able to witness Christ without any sense of expectation? Right there is where I think the Bible is taken out of context. Yes, you need a wage — we all do, but not for telling the Word to the masses.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, free us from mindsets of expectations. Free us from entanglements and resentment. Help us to share the gospel freely. For what is given with the greatest of price cannot be traded or sold. Amen.