All things to all men

Remember those days as a teenager? When most people existed in cliques- students who hung out together and did most things in the context of their group? This was our social world, so to speak. Some of us existed in only one clique, others had the capacity to jump from one clique to another. I always admired those who were versatile like that, and I wondered how they did it. Did they stay true to who they are or were? Or were they like the chameleon who could change his color to match his surroundings? Did they sacrifice something in order to fit in?

If you are familiar with 1 Corinthians chapter 9 you may wonder if the Apostle Paul was a chameleon when he said, "I have become all things to all men” A careful reading of the text proves otherwise.

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. (1 Cor 9:19-23)

1. Paul had a purpose. He was not simply adapting to people to make friends or become popular. His goal was “to win more.” He was purposeful about proclaiming Christ.

2. Paul was a servant. He was not trying to assert himself or impose on others. “I have made myself a slave to all.” He was willing to adapt to various people in order to meet them on their turf. He was not demanding they come to him.

3. Paul knew who he was. He was not jumping from one group to another looking for his identity. He was able to relate to each type of person but still retain his own uniqueness. “to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law.” Notice how he was able to relate effectively without totally taking on the convictions and lifestyle of others. This shows a special kind of maturity.

4. Paul could find common ground. He was a master of finding those things which would build bridges of trust. He knew that few would listen to his message if they doubted his character. His speech on Mars Hill was a classic example of establishing common ground.

So Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects. “For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you. ( Acts 17:22-23)

So, what about us?

1. Let us make our purpose to share Christ. We should be determined about it. It should be a primary objective in our relationships.

2. We are to serve others. We go to others, not waiting for them to come to us. We adapt to them, not asking them to adopt our Christian lifestyle before they know the Savior.

3. We must know who we are. We should be clear about our identity in Christ, not wishy-washy about what we believe.

4. We must learn to find common ground with those we wish to reach for Christ. We should not emphasize our differences but rather the things we have in common. We can build bridges of trust which allow the gospel to travel freely.