To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people 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. (1 Corinthians 9:22-23)
What would you do for the sake of the Gospel? How far would you go to ensure that others have the opportunity to know Christ? Paul seems to express that he would do anything if it meant that someone had the chance to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ. For Paul, his anything looked like traveling to far places, imprisonment, experiencing hatred and persecution and many other unfair consequences that came with being obedient to the calling Christ gave him (See 2 Corinthians 11:24-27 for a list of what Paul endured). He was less worried about the impact on himself and more concerned about the impact of not knowing Christ for countless souls. And because of Paul and the other apostles’ selfless ways, the Gospel went well beyond Jerusalem.
So what can we do today to ensure others have the chance to hear the Good News of Jesus Christ? What might it look like for us to be Christ’s messengers? In what ways might we become weak to win the weak? What might we become to others to have the chance to share how much God loves them? Are we willing to do anything like Paul; yes even things that are uncomfortable and come with a cost?
The Costs of Living and Sharing the Gospel
There are many believers today who are living and sharing the Gospel in very difficult and life threatening conditions in countries where Christianity is opposed. Just something as simple as having a Bible in your possession could cost you your life. There are believers who have been shunned by their families because of their decision to be a follower of Christ. Others have been tortured, imprisoned and killed. For some, the blessing of others knowing Jesus is considered well worth the cost of their lives. Sacrifices all for the sake of the Gospel.
For those of us believers who live in countries where there is freedom to live as a Christian, the cost of living and sharing the Gospel can look quite different. Instead of death threats, maybe the sacrifices are money, our time, comfort and possessions. It might also include some misunderstanding and ridicule from others including lack of support from loved ones. Costs that are still difficult to face.
Changing Our Perspective
But are we able to see the eternal worth of these costs? Instead of viewing them as ‘costs for the sake of the Gospel’ can we recognize them as ‘means for us to share in the blessings of the Gospel’? As we feed the hungry, as we hydrate the thirsty, as we clothe the needy, as we visit the sick, as we open our homes to the lonely, as we go to those in prison, as we give financially to local and international missions, can we perceive that our involvement is an opportunity to bring the Good News of Jesus Christ to individuals? Individuals who then have the chance to be blessed with eternal life; that is knowing God and His Son Jesus Christ (John 17:3).
Wouldn’t it all be worth it if our costs led to the salvation of one person? Perhaps all we need is a switch in our perspective from seeing the costs of the gospel to seeing lives transformed by the gospel. Such a change in our outlook could revolutionize our answers to the question ‘What Would You Do For the Sake of the Gospel?’ and perhaps cause us to respond like Paul: I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” (1 Corinthians 9:22)
Considerations 