Work Without Pay
READ: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
At my job, starting pay is minimum wage. People often complain about the amount of work they do, only to be paid so little. Many people have quit because they found a job where you make more money and do less work.
Surprisingly, one of the objections which Paul's critics had brought against him was that he had taken NO pay for his work in Corinth. Paul explained that he had a right to be supported at the church's expense. However, from what has been recorded, Paul took payment from no church except Philippi. It was his practice to preach without pay. "What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the Gospel, I may offer it free of charge, and so not making use of my rights in preaching it."
Paul's example of giving up certain rights for the sake of winning people to Christ's kingdom is a beautiful example of how Christ wants our lives to be. When witnessing to others, don't worry about what you'll get in return. Instead, think of the wonderful gift you're giving them-the gift of eternal life through faith in the one true Lord. We too should want to spread His Word free of charge. That's the greatest kind of work-God's work without pay.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: How can we, as Christians, witness to others? What are some joys of being a witness? Why do we want to work without pay?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Thank God for allowing you to be a witness. Ask Him to help you do His work free of charge.