I Corinthians 9:22b “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I may save some.”

NONOFFENSIVE

I love these verses in I Corinthians 9:19-23.  Paul had all the reasons to boast of his pedigree.  He could have proudly stated his qualifications as a Pharisee and his learning under Gamaliel.  He could have lorded over any new believer and demanded special treatment.  But a funny thing happened on that road to Damascus.  The Lord Jesus stripped him of all that pride.

Now, he just wanted to reach people with the Gospel, no matter what he had to do.  He would eat with the Jews or the Gentiles.  He would sacrifice doing things he knew was “legal” if he thought it might cause a brother to stumble.  We could learn a lot from this passage, if we would.  I have known Christians who were so proud they could strut sitting down.

TEACHING MOMENT

We can’t teach our children this.  It must be learned firsthand.  We can model it, though.  They can watch us give up things for others.  They can see us get down and dirty to pull someone else up.  They can stand next to us as we explain the total inclusiveness of the Gospel to a lost and dying world.

Are there restrictions on how far we can go?  Sure, there are.  There are some groups I can’t or shouldn’t try to reach.  But if the Lord directs me to share with someone, my job is figure out how best to do that.  That may mean getting to know them first and developing that relationship.  You have heard the expression, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

So, are you modeling the behavior for your children that they can emulate?  Are you coaching them in the skills they will need to reach that lost friend?  When is the last time you actually shared the Gospel with someone?  Weeks, months, years?

Come on, fellow believer.  Figure it out!  Allow the Holy Spirit to simply cut loose and speak through you. He will give you the words, just as He gives you the power.  Surrender!