The point is stated again and again using many examples. Paul could have received a salary, but voluntarily chose not to receive any money for his labors for the Lord and his church. Apostle Paul even finds the obscure Deuteronomy 25:4 to practically beat his point into the Corinthian believers’ and my skulls.
He declares, “We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ” (12). Anything! Do not let anything get the better of me as I serve the Lord and his gospel. Do not let anything overwhelm me as I sacrifice for Jesus and his church.
Do not let something or someone’s attitude tie me to the bed with an imaginary rope as I serve the church of Christ. Do not let depressing thoughts hinder the gospel of Christ, as I serve as a layman, for Paul was a layman apostle. Though many tried to get the better of him, overwhelm him, tie him up, beat him down, and hinder his layman work, Apostle Paul put up with it and moved on.
Stay calm and move on. Be in Jesus’ peace. Put up with anything, even a silly continuing computer rejecting keyboards. Be in Jesus’ peace. Find it. Accept it. Hold onto Jesus in thought, heart, and action. Be one with Christ Jesus, the Prince of Peace who put up with everything, including me in love.
