19. Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.
20. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law.
21. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some.
23. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24. Don’t you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win!
25. All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.
26. So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing.
27. I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified.