How far will we go to bring a soul to Christ?

How much effort and sacrifices are we willing to make for someone’s salvation?

For Paul:
“I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more.” (1 Cor 9:19)
“… that I might by all means save some.” (1 Cor 9:22)

Paul had absolute consideration for the souls of others, even if it meant denying his own rights and freedoms, such as the right to be financially supported by the church (1 Cor 9:9-12) and the freedom to eat meat (1 Cor 8:13). Instead of using his rights and freedoms for self-indulgence, Paul chose to use them to serve others in love (Gal 5:13).

How about us today – do we have such consideration for the souls of others?

Do we live our lives in servitude of others, going the extra mile to ensure all our choices, words and actions glorify Christ and lead others to Him? Even if it means denying ourselves of certain freedoms in our choice of social activities, hobbies, fashion, careers, etc.?

As Paul said:

“But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Cor 9:27)

To be capable of such self-denial, Paul needed to discipline himself and control his own desires. Only then could he live a life of consciously loving the souls of others more than himself. Otherwise, if Paul failed to practice what he preached, he would not only disqualify himself but also risk becoming a stumbling block to others who might follow his bad example.

Today, the world may frown upon such a servile life, in the name of individualism and self-actualisation. Yet, Jesus Himself chose absolute servitude over self-actualisation, for the sake of saving our souls (Mk 10:45; Philip 2:7). Therefore, if we truly want to follow in Jesus’ footsteps, let us fulfil our role as a faithful “servant to all” and be willing to go the extra mile to win a soul into heaven.

May the love of Christ motivate us to love the souls of others, just like how He selflessly loves the souls of humanity, including ours.