Written by Paul Lane
The Word
19 For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more. 20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might gain Jews; to those who are under the Law, I became as one under the Law, though not being under the Law myself, so that I might gain those who are under the Law; 21 to those who are without the Law, I became as one without the Law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might gain those who are without the Law. 22 To the weak I became weak, that I might gain the weak; I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. 23 I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NASB)
Reflection
To be all things to all people sounds like a heavy task. How could I possibly do that? To be one thing to one person consistently is hard enough. And you would probably kill yourself if you tried to be all things to one person. As a parent I can tell you that there is no limit to what we might do for our children, but thankfully God gave us reason and exhaustion to protect us. So, at some point we are willing to say no. So, how is it that Paul can tell us to be all things to all people?
I don’t think he is talking about providing all things to all people, but rather being relatable to all people. From this passage, you can see that Paul is talking about being engaged with the person right in front of you. So, if you find yourself talking to someone who is a grandmother, at the quilt show, don’t be surprised if the conversation drifts into the intricacy’s stich patterns and fabric types. Although, as someone with experience in this type of conversation, it’s more likely that you talk about travel and family. Besides, you could use a few pointers on matching thread types with fabrics. You never know when it might come in handy.
I think there is a poetry to Paul’s passage here. He establishes a rhythm as he talks to a Jew, a person under the law, a person without law, and a weak person. It is as if he is in a crowded room, flowing with the rhythm of the cacophonous crowd, talking, and listening to each of them. Not in a patronizing way, but with a genuine interest in the other person. This is how we learn to win the person, rather than the argument.
Application
I confess that I have never been an effective evangelist, but I have usually been able to become a friend to people I meet. I lack the confidence in starting conversations about Christ or to invite people to church. Yet, once the conversation is started, I am more than comfortable. Often, I kill the invitation with the thought, “he probably doesn’t want to hear this” or “what if I offend them.” But I know I should reach out. So, I try to focus on my ability to hear the Lord’s voice and trust that He will lead me to reach out to the right person in the right way. So, I must listen to the Lord’s voice and response to the person that the Lord places before me. In this, I believe I will find my obedience and my call.
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father blessed is Your name for all time. I pray that You teach me Your words, Your ways, and Your security in Jesus. I pray for boldness in sharing the gospel, and for wisdom in reaching out to people. Teach me how to bring the love of Christ to both strangers and friends. In Jesus name, Amen.
City Life Starter 
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