December 20, 2024
JUSTIN TUCKER | WORSHIP PASTOR
1 Corinthians 9:19
“Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.”
In 1940, Dunkirk, France, became the site of an extraordinary rescue mission. As British troops were cornered by advancing German forces, hundreds of fishermen, yacht owners, and everyday citizens mobilized a makeshift fleet to bring the stranded soldiers home.
These 700 “little ships of Dunkirk” sacrificed safety, convenience, and even their personal plans to save the lives of over 300,000 men they didn’t know. They didn’t ask, “Is this comfortable for me?” They simply asked, “What will it take to save them?”
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9 remind us of a similar mindset. Though he was a free man, Paul chose to sacrifice his preferences and adapt his life so others could know Christ. To the Jew, he became like a Jew; to the Gentile, he became like a Gentile. His goal? To meet people where they were and lead them to the transforming power of the gospel. Paul’s point is that when we prioritize the mission of Jesus, we willingly adapt our lives to connect with others.
Like the little ships of Dunkirk, we’re called to step into uncomfortable, sacrificial waters for the sake of those who are spiritually stranded. Maybe it’s joining a life group to meet people. Maybe it’s engaging your circle of influence in a Gospel conversation. Maybe it’s learning to listen to someone with vastly different views. Whatever it looks like, our goal isn’t to “win” arguments but to win people.
Today, ask yourself: What can I lay down to lift someone else up toward Christ?
Because when we make ourselves servants to all, we reflect the heart of the One who became a servant for us.
“Although I am free from all and not anyone’s slave, I have made myself a slave to everyone, in order to win more people.”
In 1940, Dunkirk, France, became the site of an extraordinary rescue mission. As British troops were cornered by advancing German forces, hundreds of fishermen, yacht owners, and everyday citizens mobilized a makeshift fleet to bring the stranded soldiers home.
These 700 “little ships of Dunkirk” sacrificed safety, convenience, and even their personal plans to save the lives of over 300,000 men they didn’t know. They didn’t ask, “Is this comfortable for me?” They simply asked, “What will it take to save them?”
Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9 remind us of a similar mindset. Though he was a free man, Paul chose to sacrifice his preferences and adapt his life so others could know Christ. To the Jew, he became like a Jew; to the Gentile, he became like a Gentile. His goal? To meet people where they were and lead them to the transforming power of the gospel. Paul’s point is that when we prioritize the mission of Jesus, we willingly adapt our lives to connect with others.
Like the little ships of Dunkirk, we’re called to step into uncomfortable, sacrificial waters for the sake of those who are spiritually stranded. Maybe it’s joining a life group to meet people. Maybe it’s engaging your circle of influence in a Gospel conversation. Maybe it’s learning to listen to someone with vastly different views. Whatever it looks like, our goal isn’t to “win” arguments but to win people.
Today, ask yourself: What can I lay down to lift someone else up toward Christ?
Because when we make ourselves servants to all, we reflect the heart of the One who became a servant for us.
Posted in Daily Devos