Do you have a life’s verse? By that I mean, do you have a verse from the Bible that captures your passion? Your marching orders? Your vision, for your life?
I believe Paul’s life verse was Romans 15:21, “Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand.” Paul restated it as his “mission statement” in verse 20, “It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.” He knew what he was about. Do you?
My life’s verse is 1st Corinthians 9:19, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” It’s true. I don’t belong to anyone. I’m a free man. I can walk past folk and ignore them, preoccupied with my own agenda. This is the cry of the world around us. “You owe it to yourself.”
Paul declared, “No. I have chosen, though being free, to make myself a slave to everyone.” I’ve made the choice to follow his example. I can’t say I have fully implemented that commitment. “Slave” is a strong term. I’m not sure I can trust everyone to that degree.
I trust Jesus, and have told Him I’m happy to be His slave. He can call the shots for my life. He can give the orders. I’m committed to follow His orders. But I have to admit I struggle with this at times.
What helps me is Paul’s concluding argument, “to win as many as possible.” I want others to discover what I have discovered and experienced. Here is my commitment in summary: Love God first, others second and self last.
