SCRIPTURE:
“Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23
OBSERVATION:
Paul expressed that although he was not physically a slave to anyone, he intentionally called and made himself a slave to others he was called to reach out to in identifying with their culture, laws, customs, and emotional state. He tried to identify with them by seeing them through their eyes of perception and perspective that he might best relate to them in the interest of finding a bond to share Christ. Hence, he would have the opportunity to win them to Christ through the Gospel by connecting with them in the place and state of mind they were at; which seemingly would have brought down defense barriers and walls if what Paul had to present and say seemed foreign to them.
APPLICATION:
This is great insight as to how I can better be perceptive, understanding, and see through the eyes of those I’m called to share with and testify to, to better relate to, communicate to, serve, and even partner with for the cause of Christ. It’s being able to intentionally understand people and where they are at, looking to find the commonality that hopefully will enable me to take down walls and barriers of perception and therefore hear and receive what I have for them. It’s kind of funny how when I am with truly local local people, I automatically switch into my local Waimanalo pidgin English. It is the intent to open doors and hearts by identifying with and serving others as Paul did. Although we may often have the authority; seeing through the eyes of others will often allow buy-in and support. It is said that the law of the land is self-preservation, which means a tendency to see things through only our eyes of desire, need, self, and pride. However, having the ability to see through the eyes of others with a heart to serve them will hopefully enable others to be touched, influenced, and led to know Jesus.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord, may I have the heart, compassion, and understanding to look through glasses that truly want to relate to and serve others, that I may have the ability to influence and reach others for you and your will.
