“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. . .To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak. I am made all things to all men, that I might, by all means, save some.”
I Corinthians 9:19, 22
Inspired intentionality and flexible faithfulness always accompany sacred surrender.
“Unction.”
Unusual word, isn’t it? Ever heard it before? Do you use it daily down at the local supermarket or coffee shop? Not likely—for it’s a very uncommon word. In fact, it’s only used once in the Bible in I Jn. 2:20—“But you have an unction from the Holy One and you know all things”—and comes from the Grk. word “chrisma” and means “an unguent, smearing, anointing, special endowment, etc.” and is the picture of anointing one for special service (like a king, priest or prophet).
Paul knew he was called to be an “apostle”—one sent with a message (I Cor. 9:1). He also knew we all are called to be “ambassadors for Christ, sent with the Ministry and Word of Reconciliation” (II Cor. 5:17-21).
Yet, in Christ, he knew he was “free from all men,” i.e., not subject to their whims-and-fancies or hindered to their commands and constraints. Instead, he was willingly “chained to Christ’s chariot” as a bond-slave, wanting only to go where Christ went and doing only what He commanded.
Interestingly, instead of this making him a spiritual freelancer or lone ranger, it made him “a servant (Grk. ‘doulos’—‘slave, one in bondage, subject to, subservient, etc.’) unto all.” Does that mean we must do whatever others say and always obey their carnal, capricious commands? Not at all—for we have only one King of kings and Lord of lords!
But, it does mean we realize the necessity of “humbling ourselves in the Hand of a mighty God” (James 4:10; I Pet. 5:6), which means we’re here to serve others, not ourselves. That’s why Paul said, “To the Jews, I became as a Jew. . .to them that are under the Law, as under the Law. . .to them outside the Law, as outside the Law. . .to the weak, I became weak, etc.” (vv.20-22).
The reason: “That I might gain the more and by all means save some” (vv.19, 21).
Or, “that I might see as many as possible come into a saving relationship with Christ.”
Does this mean we go out and get drunk with those who do? Does that mean we talk and act like the world so we can fit in & win their trust? No, not at all—for we are definitely “different” in our walk-and-talk as children of the King and “salt-and-light” in this world (Mt. 5:13-16; Rom. 12:1-2).
But, it also mean that we don’t assume a “holier-than-thou,” condescending and condemning attitude toward others. We know “except for the Grace of God” we’d be traveling the same downward road of degradation. Our purpose is sowing the Seed and cultivating the crops (hearts, relationships). It’s God’s responsibility to bring the harvest (I Cor. 3:7). So, be faithful, Pilgrim, to win as many as you can before it’s eternally too late.
October 9, 2011
