If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing well

AM Psalm 102 • PM Psalm 107:1-32
2 Kings 19:1-20 • 1 Cor. 9:16-27 • Matt. 8:1-17

Paul is a little irritated in this passage from 1 Corinthians. He makes it clear that he is not making a living through spreading the message of Christ. And he wants his listeners to know that he voluntarily placed himself among different people to spread the Gospel and “save some.” The reading almost seems a little boastful on his part.

Upon a second reading, I see an empathetic Paul. He is compelling his readers to understand. He doesn’t simply talk about Christ; he purposefully has lived among people to show the blessings of Christ. He made a point of being with many different people and experiencing their world – he put himself in proximity to others. I believe he conveys that this wasn’t easy, but he was compelled. The Message interprets Paul as saying, “I didn’t just want to talk about it; I wanted to be in on it!”

Evangelism is not the same for everyone, and Paul reminds us it’s hard work. The passage wraps up with a pep talk, which is needed after this reading. Following Christ and spreading the Good News requires practice. Like an athlete, train, but do not run aimlessly. Stay alert, stay in top condition, and keep giving it all you’ve got.

Because if a thing is worth doing, it’s worth doing well.

Written by Susie Norys

Lifelong Episcopalian still learning and growing on my spiritual journey.