I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. (1 Corinthians 9:22)
Paul, having been saved by grace through faith on the road to Damascus, had one great aim in life: to be an instrument of salvation in God’s mighty right hand. When Paul said that “I might save some,” he was not speaking boastfully about his strength. Rather, he was speaking about the supernatural strength of His Savior, who had called him into the ministry of reconciliation between God and man (2 Corinthians 5:18-19). Paul knew that God had saved him to be used to save others. Do we know the same truth?
Make no mistake, Paul was a great teacher. He was trained in the best of schools and was considered a Pharisee of Pharisees. But his great aim in life was not merely to instruct individuals in morals and ethics. Paul had no goal of assisting others in behavior modification. His goal . . . his aim . . . his one mission in life was to be used by God as an instrument of salvation, one who would stop at nothing short of true heart transformation. Paul wanted to see men forgiven, adopted, sanctified, and set apart for the Gospel ministry.
The question we must ask ourselves is this: Is our great aim in life any different than Paul’s? Remember, the goal for Paul is the goal for all who have been granted faith to believe in the Gospel of Christ: We are all saved to be instruments of salvation until God calls us home.
So . . . how are you doing in your calling today? The salvation of souls consumed Paul, and it should be our great obsession too. Paul was willing to do anything in areas that were not prohibited by Scripture, such as participating in Jewish ceremonies or rituals, in order to point people to Christ. He did everything within his power to prevent prejudice by laying aside every one of his preferences. His only concern was for the salvation of souls. If God would be so pleased to use Paul to save a soul, he cared not about the way in which God chose to do it. Paul knew it was all about Jesus, and he served in such a way as to make this truth clear to all those he came in contact with. “To live is Christ” was the cry of this servant of God. And this cry must be the cry of our hearts as well.
Take a moment to prayerfully consider whom God might be calling you to share the glorious good news of the Gospel with. Remember, our Lord Jesus died for sinners that we might live for them and be used by God for their salvation. Press on, beloved Christian, and fulfill your calling for the glory of Christ by all possible means that you, like Paul, might save some.
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 