A model of self-denial, Paul’s refusal of the rights and privileges allowed by his preaching was a far cry from our modern-day attitudes toward free and selfless service to others.

Entrusted with a stewardship from God, he did more than what was required and received great joy as his recompense. The satisfaction of seeing his listeners gain from his preaching was far more valuable than receiving any compensation for it.

He supported himself financially by working with his hands (as a tentmaker) separate from his preaching. And by so doing, he could preach the Gospel solely for his listeners’ interests without compensation. 

Could we do likewise in the ministries and roles we serve? Could we allow our charity and service to others to flow purely from our hearts with no expectation of accolades, stipends, rights or privileges? If we speak, teach, preach or serve in any way and use the power of the Gospel for our own selfish needs, our work loses its life and never produces what it could when purely from the heart.
 

We also enrich our service to others when we become one with them, when we blend ourselves with them regardless of our differences, without separating or placing ourselves above them … perhaps even feeling as a slave to those with whom we’ve been entrusted just as Paul did. He became a slave to all, pouring himself out as a libation and winning numerous souls in the process. He was not bound to anyone whom he served, but free to serve all for their benefit.  

Let us challenge ourselves to follow St. Paul’s model of self-denial, and be blessed with more abundance than we can ever return back.

Reflections from the First Letter of St. Paul
to the ​Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23