The Christian mission is not for a participation award. You know, like the ones you get in elementary school just for being in the race and you get it with all the other kids and after a while you realize that if everyone is special, no one is. Paul is talking about a real prize here. What is the prize – the prize is sharing in the blessings of the gospel with others (verse 23). The prize is sitting in your living praying with your neighbors. The prize is seeing your addicted friend find freedom in Christ. The prize is seeing your suicidal depressed co-worker find new life and joy in Christ. That is the prize – sharing in the blessings of the gospel with others.
Whatever the issue, whether it is me giving up my right to be paid a salary as pastor, you giving up your right to eat meat, her giving up her right to listen to her music loudly before quiet time in the dorm, him giving up his right to drink alcohol because he is working with youth and doesn’t want to send mixed messages, we are free – not compelled, but free – to give up our rights in order to win people to Christ. You see, when you give up one right, there has got to be something that you value more than that right. You give up rights for something greater.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes you meet people who call themselves Christian, or you visit a particular church and people acts so differently or teach differently that other churches you have been a part of?
- Why do some Christians preach against drinking alcohol of any kind, even a glass of wine at dinner, while other Christians actually drink wine during their worship services?
- Why do some Christians look down upon dancing and showy expressions of emotion, while other churches employ dance teams and light shows in their church?