Monday, February 5, 2024  

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Scripture Reading
1 Corinthians 9:16–23

If I proclaim the gospel, this gives me no ground for boasting, for an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not proclaim the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward; but if not of my own will, I am entrusted with a commission. What then is my reward? Just this: that in my proclamation I may make the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my rights in the gospel.

For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings. (NRSV)



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Reflection

Once Paul “saw the light” during his conversion experience, he could not unsee it! He recognized that his now awake, aware, and conscious sight regarding Jesus’ life and teachings was a complete turnaround.

This knowledge along with his bright mind and ability to preach was his calling in life, regardless if he was paid or not. Paul’s experience seems to reflect how Frederick Buechner describes discovering our life’s purpose. “Your vocation in life is where your greatest joy [Paul’s newly conscious awareness and talents] meets the world’s greatest need.”

Because of Paul’s now-embedded knowing of the universal love of Christ, he committed himself to sharing what he knew with others, regardless of who they were or where they came from. Paul was eloquent in switching up the language and metaphors to describe the saving grace of unconditional love so that it could be understood by whoever encountered it.

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Prayer
May I use the freedom, gifts, and joy of my life as a conduit of grace and unconditional love as revealed through Christ, who shows us the way. Amen.

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Written by Susan Schemper, Counselor, Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being

Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church

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