Servitude is an important quality for Christians to develop. Paul stresses this fact in 1 Corinthians 9. He says,
“For although I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them” (1 Corinthians 9:19).
Paul views servitude as an avenue to leading others towards Christ. By emulating Jesus’s actions, I can act as a mirror pointing others to Him. Paul also points out the importance of ensuring that we don’t lose sight of Jesus as we attempt to lead others to him. He says,
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).
It is vital that I maintain self-control and practice what I preach so that I don’t become a hypocrite and thus lead others, as well as myself, away from God. Further, Paul highlights the importance of keeping my ultimate goal in mind, heaven, rather than getting distracted by the many things in life that can lead me away from striving towards that goal.
Dear God, please help me to serve others to show them Your light. Thank You for the encouragement and teaching found in Paul’s letters. Please help me to keep myself on Your straight path, instead of becoming distracted and turning my attention away from the ultimate goal. In Jesus’s holy name I pray, Amen.
Asher (AsherB)
Sixty-six books in a year 