Compelled

DEVOTION

1 CORINTHIANS

COMPELLED

1 Cor 9:15-18

15 But I have not used any of these rights. And I am not writing this in the hope that you will do such things for me. I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of this boast. 16 Yet when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward; if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make use of my rights in preaching it.

NIV

What then are we to think? We have learned that a preacher has the right to make his living from the gospel, yet we also see here that at least Paul will not claim that right. Are to think that it is far better to preach the gospel without compensation? Was Paul the only one who was compelled to preach the gospel? Is that why he felt he has to do it voluntarily? Is that the same reason any of us do anything for the Kingdom of God? Do we voluntarily serve in whatever capacity we serve in because we are compelled to do so, or because we think that is what we are supposed to do? Do we serve in the church so others may see us serving, or because we think others expect that of us? Do we serve because we were asked to by the pastor or someone else in authority, or do we serve because we are compelled to by God? It would appear the only time a reward by God is available for our service to Him would be if we are doing it voluntarily because we are compelled by Him to serve. If we preach the gospel or serve in any way for any other reason it would make sense we have already received our reward. We may have the praise of men, but may not have the praise of God. If we preach the gospel or serve in some way looking for some sort of compensation then we are not offering our service for free. Should we be compensated in any way out of the free will of others without any expectation from us would be another thing, but to expect anything for what we do, is simply not acceptable. Do we think “Woe to me” if we are not doing something for the Kingdom of God? Do we actually think that, if all we do is just attend church and are not involved in some way to benefit the Kingdom? We have to be careful not to judge others by that standard, for we should only judge our own motives, our own thoughts, and our own reasons for what we do or what we do not do. Do we need a check up from the neck up? Are we or are we not compelled?