In 1 Corinthians 9:19–23, Paul opens his heart and his priorities: “This I do for the gospel’s sake.” Though he was free from all men, he willingly made himself a servant to all so that he might “gain the more.” To the Jews, he became as a Jew. To those under the law, as under the law. To those without law, as without law. To the weak, he became as weak. His great passion was not his rights, his comfort, or his preferences, but the furtherance of the gospel. Paul saw himself as a steward of the message of Christ—responsible to share it, whether he felt like it or not. If he preached willingly, there was reward. If unwillingly, the responsibility still remained. The gospel was not an optional hobby; it was a holy trust.
That same heart shows up in how we give, go, and pray for missions. The church is God’s chosen vehicle to carry the gospel to the world, and every gift, no matter how small, becomes an eternal investment. Like the servants with the talents, God is not asking us to give what we do not have—He calls us to be faithful with what He has put in our hands. Missions giving is not a scheme to raise money; it is a way to participate in God’s work. When we support missionaries and evangelistic efforts, “fruit abounds to our account.” We become co-laborers together with God, partakers in the blessings of the gospel. In a world where multitudes have never heard the name of Christ, Paul’s words press on us with fresh weight: What are we willing to sacrifice, give, and do—for the gospel’s sake?