What does it really mean to become all things to all people?
When Paul spoke of “becoming all things to all people” what does it mean for us? I know that Paul had in view Jewish people, and the cultural understanding which they brought to the table when thinking about things like God, salvation, life and death. I know that he also had in view the Pagan world and likewise their understanding of God.
But what about us. How do we wrestle with this? I hope you will take a moment to leave a comment about how you see this.
I have been meditating on a scripture that has really been stirring my heart: 1 Thess. 5:14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. I have been taken by the scope of these three things “admonishing the idle,” “encouraging the fainthearted,” and “helping the weak.” Each of these activites “admonishing, encouraging and helping” share something in common which is incredibly challenging. They require a serious commitment to be in relationship with others. Without that commitment we end up with something that doesn’t rise much above the level of throwing a few coins in a Salvation Army Christmas Bucket. I keep hearing when I read this passage from Thessolonians the same thing - I must give myself to others in a way that permits these things to occur. If I do not really enter into people’s lives how can I ever admonish or be admonished in ways that will really bring life?
I am ashamed at how superficial we Christians allow most relationships in the church to remain. I know that the people who have touched me deepest have also been willing to get close to me. They have taken time. They have spent it listening to me, and sharing with me the stories of our mutual lives. Is there any other way to bring the hope of Jesus deeply into people’s lives without doing this? Share with me what you think.