1 Corinthians 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.
1 Corinthians 9:26-27 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.
Paul was called by Jesus to preach the Gospel. He took this call very seriously, and in the end was proud and bold to say - I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.( 2 Timothy 4:7) Paul worked for God and with God. He was always conscious of God's will, even when Agabus prophesied doom for him should he go to Jerusalem, Paul still chose to go because he knew it was God's will for him to preach in Jerusalem. These words of Paul re-echoed his way of life and ministry to God - Acts 20:22-24 “And now, behold, bound by the Spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there, except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies to me in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the good news of God's grace.
Though Paul served God this way, others seek their own in the name of God. Teachers are going to be judged more strictly, and ought to take great care to be in God's will at all times. James 3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We ought to be careful, that in working for God, we do not carry many to Heaven's gate, and become disqualified to enter Heaven. For Jesus prophesied about this, saying - Matthew 7:22-23 "Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'
We must endeavour to serve God truthfully. We cannot serve God and money. Neither can we be people-pleasers and God- pleasers at the same time. God wants our total loyalty and devotion, as well as obedience. Nothing more, nothing less! Let the following scripture keep you in check - 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize that Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test?
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