SCRIPTURE:
“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.”
1 Corinthians 9:22
OBSERVATION:
Paul didn’t change his beliefs to suit those he spoke to, rather he was able to find common ground amongst those he was preaching to. As he shared with others to win souls for Jesus he became all things.
APPLICATION:
When you read a verse like this it’s easy to assume that in some way the writer was accommodating. Perhaps even thinking that what was shared was changed to fit the situation. Yet when I read this I see someone who lived a full life that used the experiences of his own life to reach those around him.
When I first started coming to New Hope, one of the things that I quickly took note of was how many people seemed to look, sound and talk like me. There was no faking it at all. I met many who had similar challenging upbringings, had similar traumatic experiences and at the time had come out better on the other side. What they brought me was hope…New Hope.
Now over 20 years later I see so many coming to church in the same manner I did. Searching, hurting and seeking…hope. Just as Paul did and so many others exampled and did for me, I must do my best to find common ground with them. To some degree becoming all things, that I may share a message of hope in Jesus with them.
PRAYER:
Father Almighty. Forgive me Lord for times when I have not been the best witness of You. Thank You Lord for all the people You brought into my life who have poured into me. May I do the same now, sharing new hope in You, this I pray, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
