Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
This passage challenges me. Even though Paul has not mentioned "love" explicitly, it's implied in everything that he did. Because of his love for God, and His people, Paul was willing to give up every right that he had to bring glory to God. He became all things to all people, yet not to please man but to please God. That is such a fine line to walk on. At lot of times I want to please God, but if I'm honest with myself, there are many more times I want to please others more than I want to please God. Paul pleased God, and through that many people were saved (obtained salvation)! Paul lived to glorify God. I need to think about that. Does my life reflect God? Do I do things out of selfishness or do I aim to please God? What am I not willing to give up today? I pray that God will help me to become more like Paul, and ultimately more like Him.
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