Paul has been arguing, on the basis of his own example, that we should be willing to give up anything for the sake of our Christian mission. Paul even gave up things that he felt might ever so slightly tarnish his message. He likens himself to a runner in a race who wants to win a prize. He was willing to push himself through any hardship and give up any privilege to ensure that he could win people for Jesus. This is a sobering message for Christians today. We are far too quickly deterred from serving God. It is not as though we face persecution as Paul did. No, even a moderate amount of inconvenience can have us sitting out of the race. Paul’s metaphor highlights the fact that the Christian life involves dedication and effort. The prize lies at the other side of inconvenience. We must choose purpose over preference. Our commitment is not measured by the quantity of our achievements. God does not want us to do everything. But he has called each of us to do something as part of the mission of the church. The point is that we must be willing to give everything to that calling and not allow any amount of inconvenience or hardship deter us from our mission. The more it costs you to serve God the better. The greater the cost of your service the more meaningful it is as an act of worship to God.
Reflect prayerfully on what sacrifices God is asking of you.
Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
