1 Corinthians 9:23 English Standard Version (ESV) I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.

If we are familiar with the passages preceding this verse we might think of Paul as being a chameleon. He became what he needed to become in order to be accepted into the groups where he was bringing the gospel. He may have looked different but one thing that did not change was the blessing he brought with him wherever he went and not matter what had to endure.

Key in this passage is this one word, share. One cannot share something without bringing it with us. It is the one consistent thing in all the appearances Paul presented. One of the aspects of sharing the gospel is finding a way to be acceptable in their presence long enough for them to comfortably recognize the blessings that flow through us because of who is in us.

Comfort in others allows them to relax and get to know us. With time we will be recognized as a blessing that is different than others in our surroundings. Being a blessing will create in them a desire to be a blessing themselves. Then as their desires are recognized, the gospel can then be shown as the source and that we are merely carriers.

When we can recognize that when we sit in peace with others in turmoil we are running our race at full speed and winning the race. It is spiritual, not physical.

1 Corinthians 9:24 English Standard Version (ESV) Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it.

Stop thinking of this spiritual race as being physical.