Eyes on the prize [I Cor 9]

One of the examples Paul gives us is that he does not take up his rights and authority. People generally want others to look the part: the bishop to wear purple, the priest a dog collar, and be dignified.

Many of the entryists glory in the costume and in appearance. Paul cares not a whit. He does not want monies: he will work. He will live with pagans or with Jews. He will be with the weak, and live within their scruples, if it brings people to the gospel.

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For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship. What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel.

For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. So I do not run aimlessly; I do not box as one beating the air. But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

(1 Corinthians 9:16-27 ESV)

Do not expect that others will quote you or thank you. Take it as a win if the other takes your ideas and run with them.

The response in most cases will be irrational anger and comical attempts at rationalization. Be patient, gentle, and respectful. All you can do is try to help him move towards true sexual morality; you can’t force him to adopt it. To the extent that you are able to help him in this journey, it will most likely be a slow process as he sorts it over in his mind. As Cane Caldo noted in a discussion some time ago, don’t be surprised if he ultimately comes back to you with an epiphany about sexual morality that he came to all by himself. Don’t worry about credit if that happens, just take the win.

Expecting praise is the position of the fool. We are not going to get it in this life: at present the elite are actively anti-Christian (with the possible exception of Russia) and being of the faith is not something accounted as being noble, strong, and a virtue. Being ignoble, weak, and without any virtue, however, is rewarded.

So play not their game. The wreath we are aiming for is not made of leaves that will fade.