1 Corinthiansਨਮੂਨਾ

Paul lives with a clear focus: that as many people as possible should get to know Jesus. For this, he is willing to take a backseat. He makes it clear that, although he is free from all, he chooses to become a servant to everyone—not for his own benefit, but for the sake of his mission. When he speaks with Jews, he meets them as a Jew. When he speaks with people who do not know the Law, he meets them on their own level—without watering down the gospel. He adapts himself to be heard, but in doing so, he always remains within the boundaries set by Jesus. His standard remains the gospel—not adaptation at any cost.

All of this is not a side aspect of his life—it is his innermost passion. Like an athlete who subordinates everything to a single goal, Paul lives for the gospel. No half-heartedness, no "come what may" attitude. But rather purposefulness, devotion, and endurance.

For Reflection

We do not live for ourselves. When we follow Christ, we receive a new direction for our lives: the gospel. This changes how we think, speak, and plan—and also what we are willing to give up. The question is: What does my neighbor need in order to see Jesus?