On The Level!

When I talk to small children, I like to stoop down to their level so that we can be closer to being eye to eye. Rather than looking down upon them, physically and conversationally getting on their level opens the door for being able to RELATE TO THEM. By doing this I am able to appear more approachable to them and it allows me to approach them as well.

In Paul’s letter to the church at Corinth, he stated his approach to ministry in the following way.

“(19) For though I am free from all, I HAVE MADE MYSELF A SERVANT TO ALL, that I might win more of them. (20) To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. (21) To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. (22) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I HAVE BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE, THAT BY ALL MEANS I MIGHT SAVE SOME.” ( 1 Corinthians 9:19-22 ESV)

I think Paul’s statement of becoming “all things to all people” has been misunderstood and abused by some in the Name of Christ. Though Paul had Apostolic authority he did not brandish his position in order to coerce submission to him. Personal rights that could have served to be an obstacle in sharing the gospel with others, he was willing to set aside. (note 1 Corinthians 9:12-15) Following in the footsteps of Jesus, Paul humbly took on the role of a servant as he sought to find the level on which he could BEST RELATE to various individuals at varying points in their life. It was not that to the drunkard he would have become a drunkard or to the thief he would have become a thief. He still kept his life on the level with regarding to striving to please God. Neither did Paul change the Gospel message to please a certain audience. Had he done so, that in itself would have served as a hindrance to the gospel of Jesus. Remember his sharp rebuke with regard to what the Galatians had accepted. ( Galatians 1:6-9) It bore repeating to the church at Galatia and it bears remembering for us today. Paul simply adapted his approach depending on the audience (or individual) he was reaching toward.

Coming across on another person’s level helps them see we are able to RELATE TO THEM in where they are in their walk of life as we try to RELATE TO THEM the good news of Jesus that even in the twenty-first century can still RELATE TO THEM. In humility may we seek eye level with those around us so that our genuine concern for their souls can be seen and the door opened for sharing the message of salvation found only in Jesus Christ our Lord. For the weak struggling in their faith (or to come to faith) let us be honest that we don’t have it all together, but our own growth continues. Let us also be willing to acknowledge the hard questions, but with a desire to dig into the Scriptures with these individuals to find the answers. Certainly we, like Paul, need to take an unwavering stand on the truth of the Scriptures. However, rather than being judgmental, let us lovingly and patiently lead others closer to the truth of God’s Word. May our own selves not become an obstacle to leading others to Jesus.

Have a great day SETTING SELF ASIDE FOR THE SAKE OF SOULS!
Carl

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