1 Cor 9 Keep or Give Away

Eric Liddell was a runner and a participant in the Olympics. He had one rule, never to run on Sunday and because of that he forfeited a medal. Yet, his courage and steady testimony won him both praise and ridicule. Some time after the Olympics, at which he did receive medals, he chose to leave England and serve as a missionary in China. He not only forfeited medals but the comforts of a life in the English countryside and the perks that go with winners. Instead, he gave all that he might save some. That is what Paul chose to do as well. He had a privileged life as a Pharisee but when he met Christ on that road to Damascus, his life was forever changed. God sent Ananias to tell him that he would not only forgo the privileges of a Pharisee but he must suffer. Paul, like Eric Liddell, chose hardship rather than riches and fame. 

Like Eric Liddell, Paul said “I do all these things because of the gospel, so that I can be a participant in it.” Both did suffer and died, not with earthly riches and glory but with knowing that their lives were destined to win many to Christ and their reward was laid up in heaven. 

What do I give up to win the lost? Do I cling to earthly riches or like these two men, give up what I could keep so many may hear of the truth of the gospel?