No Hindering

DEVOTION

1 CORINTHIANS

NO HINDERING

1 Cor 9:12-14

But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don't you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel.

NIV

We probably should not be breaking this whole discussion about what to do about people who serve the Lord on what appears to be a full time basis, yet there are truths within each section for us to notice. Although Paul had just argued that he has just as much if not more right to support, he now says he does not use that right, so as to not hinder the gospel. What we must ask ourselves is whether we do anything which hinders the gospel. It appears Paul would put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel. What are we willing to put up with for the sake of the Gospel? Would we keep our mouths shut if insulted? Would we refrain from any activity if we knew a non-believer was watching and weighing the validity of the gospel based on us? Do we value our own being, our own self-worth more than the Gospel? If the gospel is the most valued thing we have, do we lock it up and keep it all for ourselves as we do with the valued material items we own, or do we give away to all those we come in contact with? Or do we expect our hirelings, those who preach the gospel and make their living from it, to do all the work? Another though about making a living from the gospel would be for all us of as we share the gospel with others, we do the Lords will and thus we are making a living, an eternal living from the gospel. But we know that salvation, eternal life is free, and thus that might not apply, but still an interesting thought. Nevertheless we must still consider this fact of hindering the gospel. We must examine our thoughts and our behaviors, our actions and reactions, in and out of the presence of others. The scripture says we are what we think. If we are not thinking correctly about the gospel we will not behave correctly either and thus might be guilty of hindering it. So then we need to think about actually putting up with anything and remain true to the gospel so as will not be a hindrance to it.