The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 9:19, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” Another way to translate this verse would be, “Though I am free of obligation to anyone, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.” Paul was basically saying that even though he owed no man anything, he had given his life to spreading the Gospel and seeking to point others to Jesus Christ.
I was watching a movie recently about a US military extraction team that had parachutted into Africa to find an American missionary doctor and bring her to safety before the mission station she was located at was overrun by rebels. These soldiers had risked their lives to get this missionary to safety. They had gone deep into enemy territory, and they were surrounded by evil and darkness. In the movie, one of the soldiers said, “We’re going to get her out or we’re going to die trying!”
I know that was just a movie. However, in real life there are countless situations that are very similar to what was presented in the movie. People going deep into enemy territory, and risking their own lives even, just to find and rescue those who needed rescuing.
As soon as I heard that line “We’re going to get her out or we’re going to die trying!” I suddenly paused the movie and just sat there thinking for a while. I thought about the thousands of people around us in this world today who are deep in enemy territory and need to be rescued. They will die and spend eternity in hell if they don’t come to know Jesus Christ. I thought about how few of us who have the knowledge and ability to rescue them are willing to do it, because we’re too afraid of what it could cost us.
Edmund Burke once said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.” And the only thing necessary for the devil and his darkness to conquer people all around us is for us to do nothing! People need to know God, and if we truly KNOW Him, we should be so excited about knowing Him and what change He can bring in a life that we are willing and even eager to share the news with ALL who will listen! What are we doing to reach those who are dying? What are we doing to bring people the hope that they need in Jesus Christ? It’s a matter of life and death – for ALL of eternity! Like Paul, we should be a “slave to all” and do whatever we can to tell them about Jesus Christ. Even if it costs us our very lives!