Take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 9:1-12 before reading the devotional below.
In this letter to the Corinthians, Paul is addressing some issues that we do not have information about. We can only infer from what Paul writes that there were some disputes about a variety of matters, one of which was paying the apostles who visited the church. Some in the church must have raised questions about why they should pay the apostles to come into town.
Paul compares his life as a missionary and apostle (leader of the broader, growing church) to that of a soldier and a farmer. He’s fighting a spiritual war. He’s planting spiritual seeds. And even though he is entitled to pay, he personally doesn’t try to claim that right. He doesn’t mention it here, but Paul supported himself with a side business making tents. Here he is defending the rights of others, like Peter, who are married and have given their lives for the sake of sharing the Gospel.
Here’s your freedom for today:
You are part of a larger work.
The Bible tells us, both here and in the Old Testament verses that Paul references, to give to the church to support the leaders. We also give to missionaries who work around the world to bring hope and help to those in need. Not everyone is called to be a church leader or missionary, but we are all part of the spiritual work. If you are not called to go, you are called to support those who do. This role should not be seen as a requirement or dreaded obligation, but rather an honorable way to participate in God’s work around the world. How can you jump into this movement that is bigger than any of us?