Weekday Devotionals
To the weak I became [as the] weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means [in any and every way] save some [by leading them to faith in Jesus Christ]. 1 Corinthians 9:22 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Last Sunday, Pastor Pete’s message was a challenge for all of us “citizens of Heaven” that move and live and have our being here on our fallen planet.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of His kingdom in a world that is divided and broken. We face many challenges and opportunities to show His love and wisdom to people who have different backgrounds, beliefs, and values than us. How can we do this effectively and faithfully?
Pastor Pete shared the example of Paul, who became all things to all people so that he might win some to Christ. He was willing to adapt his behavior and communication to the culture and context of the people he was trying to reach, without compromising the truth of the gospel or the law of Christ. He did not let his personal preferences or opinions get in the way of his mission. He sought to find common ground with everyone, doing everything he could to save some. He did not alienate the people he was supposed to be reaching.
It's important to stress that in becoming all things to all people, It does not mean to be dishonest or hypocritical, or to change our core beliefs or values. It doesn’t mean that we should go out drinking with our unsaved friends and match them drink for drink (as if we actually could). However, we could sit with them briefly and drink unsweet iced tea and share the Love of Christ by just enjoying their company and listening to them.
It means to be respectful and sensitive to the needs and interests of others, and to find ways to connect with them on their level. It means to be humble and teachable, and to learn from the people we are trying to reach. It means to be flexible and adaptable, and to avoid unnecessary stumbling blocks or offenses. It means to be generous and compassionate, and to share not only the gospel, but also our lives with them.
How can we apply this principle in our daily lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
•Pray for the people God has placed in our lives and ask Him to give us wisdom and love to reach them.
•Learn about their culture, history, and worldview, and appreciate the good things they have to offer.
•Listen to their stories, struggles, and questions, and show genuine interest and empathy.
•Share our own stories, struggles, and questions, and be honest and vulnerable.
•Find common interests and hobbies and enjoy them together.
•Invite them to join us in our activities and accept their invitations to join them in theirs.
•Speak their language, or at least learn some basic words and phrases.
•Dress appropriately and modestly and avoid wearing anything that might be offensive or distracting.
•Eat their food, or at least try some of it.
•Respect their customs and traditions and avoid criticizing or mocking them.
•Celebrate their festivals and holidays and explain the meaning of ours.
•Be gentle and respectful when sharing the gospel, and avoid arguments or debates.
•Use illustrations and examples that are relevant and understandable to them.
•Focus on the essentials of the faith and avoid secondary issues or controversies.
•Invite them to experience the love and power of God in our worship, prayer, and service.
•Disciple them to follow Jesus and equip them to reach others.
Let us follow Paul's example and become all things to all people, so that by all possible means we might save some. And let us do it all for the glory of God.
How will you live like Christ today?
Last Sunday, Pastor Pete’s message was a challenge for all of us “citizens of Heaven” that move and live and have our being here on our fallen planet.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be peacemakers and ambassadors of His kingdom in a world that is divided and broken. We face many challenges and opportunities to show His love and wisdom to people who have different backgrounds, beliefs, and values than us. How can we do this effectively and faithfully?
Pastor Pete shared the example of Paul, who became all things to all people so that he might win some to Christ. He was willing to adapt his behavior and communication to the culture and context of the people he was trying to reach, without compromising the truth of the gospel or the law of Christ. He did not let his personal preferences or opinions get in the way of his mission. He sought to find common ground with everyone, doing everything he could to save some. He did not alienate the people he was supposed to be reaching.
It's important to stress that in becoming all things to all people, It does not mean to be dishonest or hypocritical, or to change our core beliefs or values. It doesn’t mean that we should go out drinking with our unsaved friends and match them drink for drink (as if we actually could). However, we could sit with them briefly and drink unsweet iced tea and share the Love of Christ by just enjoying their company and listening to them.
It means to be respectful and sensitive to the needs and interests of others, and to find ways to connect with them on their level. It means to be humble and teachable, and to learn from the people we are trying to reach. It means to be flexible and adaptable, and to avoid unnecessary stumbling blocks or offenses. It means to be generous and compassionate, and to share not only the gospel, but also our lives with them.
How can we apply this principle in our daily lives? Here are some practical suggestions:
•Pray for the people God has placed in our lives and ask Him to give us wisdom and love to reach them.
•Learn about their culture, history, and worldview, and appreciate the good things they have to offer.
•Listen to their stories, struggles, and questions, and show genuine interest and empathy.
•Share our own stories, struggles, and questions, and be honest and vulnerable.
•Find common interests and hobbies and enjoy them together.
•Invite them to join us in our activities and accept their invitations to join them in theirs.
•Speak their language, or at least learn some basic words and phrases.
•Dress appropriately and modestly and avoid wearing anything that might be offensive or distracting.
•Eat their food, or at least try some of it.
•Respect their customs and traditions and avoid criticizing or mocking them.
•Celebrate their festivals and holidays and explain the meaning of ours.
•Be gentle and respectful when sharing the gospel, and avoid arguments or debates.
•Use illustrations and examples that are relevant and understandable to them.
•Focus on the essentials of the faith and avoid secondary issues or controversies.
•Invite them to experience the love and power of God in our worship, prayer, and service.
•Disciple them to follow Jesus and equip them to reach others.
Let us follow Paul's example and become all things to all people, so that by all possible means we might save some. And let us do it all for the glory of God.
How will you live like Christ today?
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