Freedom users

With Christ we have the freedom to do many things. Unfortunately, I think that most of the time, the freedom we have is just pushed to the side. We have the power to be world changers and we don't take advantage of it. I know that I often forget about all of the freedom we have, it's easy to forget. I encourage you to use the freedom in powerful ways.

In 1 Corinthians 9 the apostle Paul is talking about his rights as an apostle, his freedoms and the need for self-discipline. 1 Corinthians 9:19 says: "Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible?" So what does that mean? As believers we belong to Christ, apart from that we belong to no one, so we mine as well make ourselves slaves to everyone in order to win as many as possible. When Paul finishes that verse with..."to win as many as possible," he is talking about the freedom to witness to people and lead them to Christ. That is a win. That verse is such a great reminder as well. I know for me when I get the opportunity to share with people I forget that I have to become like those people. A couple of verse later in 1 Corinthians 9:22-23 says: "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." Paul is such a great example in these verses. He became all things to all people so that by all possible means he might save some.

Lastly, Paul ends chapter 9 with an analogy about become like others. It's the perfect reminder to remember that we need to live this life with the mindset to get the prize. Have fun with it too! Life is good...and the prize that awaits us is even better! I encourage you to run for the crown that will last forever.

1 Corinthians 9:24-27:

"Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like the boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."

I will close with a verse that has really had in impact on my life this past week. It has had an impact on my life because it has reminded me how important it is to have godly characteristics. I love basketball and being a college athlete, I spend a ton of time around the game, so that is where a lot of my focus is. This verse is the perfect reminder for me every single day that the time I spend growing spiritually and impacting others goes far beyond the time I spend on the court or in the weight room. Don't get me wrong though, I still deeply care about those things.

1 Timothy 4:8 says: "For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."