So, this evening's Second Reading was from Corinthians 9:16-19, 22-23. What I am gathering about this passage is that Paul is saying that spreading the Good News means that he's to "seek no pay" for his ministry. That brings into question all of these mega-churches and televangelists that wear the $6000.00 suits. And, there are some huge churches that are not televised, but there is a LOT of money floating around. So, are these ministers and preachers and their churches to be avoided? Are they forgetting the Words? I find myself extremely uncomfortable with regard to televangelists, in particular, because I've seen and experienced the "back stage" and it's not what I would consider Christ-like.

What Paul is saying was that he needed to "be all things to all people," meaning that he got down in the dirt with the dogs, spoke to Jews as a Jew, spoke to Gentiles as a Gentile, and so on. He had to become the culture that he was trying to reach, I am understanding. That's a really tough one for me, personally. But, it's a good one, if that makes any sense. I'd like to read some input on these passages.

It's lengthy, but it's worthwhile to read:

1 Corinthians 9:16-23 King James Version (KJV)

16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me.

18 What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel.

19 For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.

20 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law;

21 To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law.

22 To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

23 And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you.