Kingdom Priorities

Who—or what—is really shaping the decisions you make each day?

“But I have made no use of any of these rights, nor am I writing these things to secure any such provision. For I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting” (1 Corinthians 9:15).

The world is filled with forces that try to influence us, control us, compel us to make decisions, and drive us to take action: salespeople applying psychological tricks to influence us to buy products we may not really need; advertisements promising rewards they cannot fulfill; social media plying us with images and ideas that shape our thoughts.

Christians are not immune to these influences. In fact, if we aren’t careful, we can find ourselves influenced by the wrong people and the wrong things.

We need to remember the example provided by Paul. He was so focused on serving God that he could say, “I would rather die than have anyone deprive me of my ground for boasting.” That was the level of his sincerity and commitment.

God promises great riches and rewards, but He also looks for men and women who are ready to serve Him, who are sold out for Him, who don’t have any other priorities, who are willing to lay everything else aside for the sake of their faith, and who truly have left all to follow Jesus.

Ask God to show you what really influences you. Search your life, your habits and hobbies, your finances and relationships. Is there anything that could be a stumbling block? Anything that could cause you to compromise your faith or separate you from God?

Prioritize God’s Kingdom over your own kingdom, reputation, or personal pleasures.

Reflection Question: List the people or things that are currently influencing you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What “right” is Paul referring to in 1 Corinthians 9:15?

Earlier in the chapter Paul defends his right‚ as an apostle‚ to receive financial support from those he ministered to (v. 4–14). He chose not to exercise that right in Corinth so no one could accuse him of preaching for profit.

What did Paul mean by his “ground for boasting”?

Paul’s “boast” wasn’t pride in himself but satisfaction in preaching the gospel free of charge (v. 18)—proof that his motives were sincere and that the message‚ not payment‚ was driving his ministry.