430

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Message

Or maybe I spoke too fast...because we've come to my favorite part: "I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!"

There is something wild and wonderful and exciting and adventurous and beautiful and significant and, well, pleasurable in living all out for Jesus. There is. 

Nothing's holding you back. Nothing really. Go for it! 

Get in on the action! Go!!!

429

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Message

"I did it all because of the Message."

What motivates you to be a Christian? I confess much of mine is selfish. It makes me feel good. I think it is good for me...I don't think that this was Paul's motivation. I'm just guessing. 

It was true. And it was life and death. I think that was enough for him. 

428

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Message

I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view

This is what Atticus teaches Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird. To learn to see things from another person's porch. To walk around in their skin for awhile. 

427

Even though I am free of the demands and expectations of everyone, I have voluntarily become a servant to any and all in order to reach a wide range of people: religious, nonreligious, meticulous moralists, loose-living immoralists, the defeated, the demoralized—whoever. I didn't take on their way of life. I kept my bearings in Christ—but I entered their world and tried to experience things from their point of view. I've become just about every sort of servant there is in my attempts to lead those I meet into a God-saved life. I did all this because of the Message. I didn't just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it! - 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Message


Does the scope of your life encompass all people, every kind of people, or do you edit your evangelism...thank God those before us did not. 

426

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the Gospel of God but our very lives as well, because you had become so dear to us. - 1 thessalonians 2:8


Gospel living is genuine living. Living life genuine. Nothing hidden. Nothing held back.

425

John 2:18-25

"destroy this temple"

Jesus knew from the beginning what would happen to him. It's a strange response to the people
s question of his authority. I guess what Jesus is saying is that his actions will prove his authority. Actions speak louder than words. I need to act what I want to say.

Then there are these words "Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all men. He did not need man's testimony about man, for he knew what was in a man." Again strange words. What amazes me is that Jesus knew our hearts and yet he still came! He still loved us! He still went through with his mission.

Maybe he knew our hearts better than we do. Maybe he knew how helpless and broken they are. Jesus could not stand idly by when God had given him the power and authority to save us.

424

John 2:12-17

Jesus knows how to make and use a whip! How does that knowledge inform my day to day understanding of who Jesus is and what he is doing in my life?

I don't know what to make of your whip skills other than the fact that you are not passive. You are not weak. You are not intimidated. You are not a coward. You do not stand idly by in the face of injustice. You stand squarely on the side of justice. You do not flinch.

I am such a fearful man. I cower in the face of injustice so often...too often.