Word Play: Adapt Ability - Wednesday
1 Corinthians 9:19-20
Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. (NIV)
I was well into my thirties, with a couple of decades as a Christian under my belt, before I ever heard of a spiritual director. A close friend began telling me about his connection to someone who was helping him with his walk as a follower of Jesus. He would attend retreats and did a lot of reading about what it meant to grow in Christ and to be formed more in His likeness. My friend and I served on a church staff together, and he eventually was given permission by our church’s leadership to bring in people who would provide spiritual direction to our ministry staff. Those years were the most spiritually formative in my life.
It didn’t make much sense to me at the time, but there was something that these spiritual guides repeatedly said as we were going through the years of learning, discovery, and growth. They constantly cautioned and reminded us that our being formed in the likeness and image of Christ was not for ourselves. It was for the sake of others. For the sake of others. Those are five words in a phrase I try to keep in the forefront of my heart and mind as much as I can. We can read all the books, know the Bible backwards and forwards, pray mightily, and so on. But if none of that compels or builds up others in some way, what’s the point?
The more I’ve grown in my own formation in Christ, the more I’ve felt the freedom to boldly serve others with what I’m learning. I suppose that’s what Paul meant when he said he wasn’t a slave to anyone, but was happy to enslave his preferences so as to win others. And that’s where freedom really is.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Consider today how you might live for the sake of others. Intentionally look for opportunities to draw on your own formation and identity in Christ to love differently.
