Monday, January 30, 2006
1 Corinthians 9:22b I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some.
DARE TO BE SIMILAR
Most of you have probably heard the phrase "dare to be different." It's popular in our society for people to encourage each other to stand out in a crowd and assert their own individuality. You're told to do whatever it is you want to do, even if it will alienate you from others. In fact, it's viewed by some as weakness if you strive to blend in with others rather than "be you own person."
The Apostle Paul, however, has different advice. Sometimes it's good to show someone else that you're willing to share a common interest with them; that you're willing to meet them on their ground rather than on yours. Doing this will give you opportunities to share the gospel of Christ with others. Paul said, "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some."
Perhaps you don't enjoy baseball, but you go to a game with your friends because they enjoy it and you want to show them that you care about their interests too. Your friendship may well be deepened and doors opened to sharing the gospel. Maybe you hate Chinese food, but the person who invited you to dinner didn't know that. Do you stick your nose in the air and walk away from the table? If you do, you might put up a wall that would be hard to break down later. Instead, you eat the food with a smile on your face. It won't kill you.
No doubt the Apostle Paul did many a thing that wasn't his favorite in order to develop relationships with people which would give him the chance to witness to them concerning Christ. Dare to become all things to all men, so that by all possible means you might save some.
