Paul gives us a perspective that I know I needed to hear in 1 Corinthians 9:23. He writes: “I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
He is not just talking about some of the things he does, some of the rules he follows, and some of the idols he puts aside. He is speaking about how everything he does has to be because of the gospel. That can be challenging, to say the least! But God has promised us great blessing if we follow Him. The sacrifices Paul had to make to live this way were costly, but the benefits far outweighed that cost.
Paul existed to serve God. We exist to serve God. Let us not forget our mission to win as many as possible to faith in Jesus Christ!