1 Corinthians 9:19 (ESV): 19 For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them.
In 1 Corinthians 8 Paul addressed the controversy among good Christians whether to eat meat that had been offered to idols.
He said that we are in free in Christ to eat anything, but we should be careful not to encourage those who would consider it “worship of an idol” to violate their conscience.
In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul then used himself as an example, talking of the church’s obligation to support him as a minister of the gospel. Yet, Paul gave up that right in order remove obstacles from before the gospel.
In Christ, we are free. We do not need to feel obligated by anyone or to anyone. Yet our freedom is superseded by love. Therefore, we willingly serve rather than insisting on our rights.
Make me a servant, humble and meek.
Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be.
Make me a servant, make me a servant today.