1 Corinthians 9:22-23 To
the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all
people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this
for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.
The Apostle Paul adapted
himself to the principles of the ones he introduced the gospel to, as becoming
weak to win over the weak. He separated himself from anything that might hinder
his witness to the lost souls he encountered. He carried out the feasibility of
communication without deceit or compromise. The predominant principle that
guided Paul's conduct towards those who did not know Christ Jesus as their Lord
was the gospel. Paul's primary desire was to be a "partaker" of the
gospel along with the Corinthians. "Partaker" expresses the idea of a
co-partner. He desired to share the blessings of the gospel with those in
Corinth who did not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. If we truly have a
heart for the lost and for sharing the gospel with those who do not know Christ
Jesus as their savior, it would be expedient for us to follow the example of
the Apostle Paul.
When fishing, we use the
correct form of bait for the fish we are seeking. The only way we can
successfully reach the lost souls in this world is to go where they are; we
can't expect them to come to us. We should approach people at their points of
interest rather than expect them to mold themselves to our interests. Following
this pattern, we can establish a rapport with them so they might also hear and
experience the gospel through our words and deeds.
The basis of expediency is
that all people differ in many ways. We are not narrowed down to just one
method of winning souls to Christ Jesus because God created all people
differently. The tenet of adapting ourselves to the lost so we might win them
is a value and standard of love for the lost souls in this world. We will
discover the path of evangelism is lined with potholes and bumps; it is only
sometimes smooth sailing.
Evangelism can sometimes be
painful, but waiving our rights puts us in a place of blessings. We find
blessings in giving more than in receiving. Living in the light of eternity is
always more fulfilling than living for oneself. However, a word of caution
surrounds the principle of accommodating ourselves to lead the lost souls to
the saving grace of Christ Jesus. Some proceed with the mistaken principle of
"When in Rome, do as the Romans do." Some wrong Christians use this
freedom to indulge in worldly pleasures, a concession of self-indulgence. We
may waive our privileges, but we should never compromise our standards.
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