Paul did not make it his priority to make full use of his rights and privileges. Instead, his focus was on seeing what he could do to serve others and win them to Christ. He did not stoop to unbiblical methods or messages to draw bigger crowds, but he was willing to give of himself fully, to even “be spent” in the service of God for the sake of others.
And we speak with our Father:
O Lord, help us to put You first in all we do, others second, and ourselves last. Make us willing, as was Paul, to forego our own “rights” out of love for others. Let us act in the best interests of others and in obedience to You, not in a pursuit of our own rights or happiness, in our lives Your Will be done, Amen.