The culture around us is a minefield of resistance, anger, and mockery toward the things of Christ. It seems like no matter what decision is made, someone will be offended, someone will be antagonistic, and others will respond with bullying belittling remarks.  We make a mistake thinking that it’s only ‘our’ current culture that responds this way. It’s not. This is a sinful human problem dating back no doubt to the fall of man.

Because of this, evangelism has quickly become a distant declaration instead of a demonstration through relationship.

Paul the apostle, when writing to the believers in Corinth, goes into a defensive mode in order to assure them that his motives were pure. Some in the church, fellow believers, were accusing him of not being a true apostle and others went so far as to accuse him of only wanting their money.  They were spreading the false rumor that Paul was taking advantage of the churches for his own personal gain. Can you imagine Paul enduring the world of social media today?

His answer was simple and powerful. He chose to become all things to all men so that he might win the more!  What his accusers were missing, was his heart to reach everyone by first starting where they were practically. Because he was free from all men, Paul was able to serve others, setting aside his own rights for their sake. YES! He set aside his own rights so that he might serve more.

1 Corinthians 9:22–23 (NKJV) “to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.”

So many like to use this section of the Bible to affirm their own compromising ways.  They like to use it as an excuse, a lame one at that, for their own sinful behavior.

The Bible never approves of sinful compromise. Ever. No matter how a person tries to twist the Scriptures, the call to follow Jesus remains in self-denial.

When you choose to adjust your life, building bridges into other’s lives, God positions you to share His love more effectively. We aren’t trying to make disciples of ourselves, but of Jesus!  Meet them where they are!  It’s true, none of us ever ‘saves’ another person. God alone is the author of salvation. We don’t technically win them as we might win a race. Winning someone to Jesus is not our own doing but God does want to use us in the process. That’s exciting!

Proverbs 11:30 (NKJV) “The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, And he who wins souls is wise.”

Our western mindset has taught us to reach people in our own cultural context. But that’s backwards. We’re to meet people where they are!  Become all things to all men, to reach them with the love of Jesus.

Build a bridge this week with listening and empathy. You’ll be amazed at how fascinating the person in front of you really is, and you’ll find an open path of introducing them to Jesus.