Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
For though I am free with respect to all, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I might win more of them. 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 I myself am not under the law) so that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law) so that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, so that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that I might by all means save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, so that I may share in its blessings.
Thought for the Day: This is a beautiful passage, but also a rather dangerous ideal to set before the church. We cannot and we should not try to be all things to all people. We need to be mindful of the gifts God has given us, both as individuals and collectively, but those gifts will probably not cover the broad range of needs around us. This is where we need to celebrate and respect other congregations and their gifts. We are not enemies who are in competition with one another. Though we might have differences, even significant differences in theology and practice, we should always honor the way the Spirit is moving and acting in a congregation. A number of years ago, there was a church whose theology nearly drove me crazy. It was a sweet little church not far from where I was serving, but they had some really bizarre (I know, that’s a very judgmental statement…but it is to make my point) ideas, but they also had an amazing ministry to two group homes that served adults with developmental disabilities. The men from those two homes came to worship, fully participating in the life of that church. I might have disagree with their understanding of the Trinity and salvation, but I couldn’t argue with their amazing hospitality and compassion. I don’t believe I am called to be all things to all people. I don’t believe Cypress Creek Christian Church is called to be all things to all people. Yet the hundreds of churches in NW Houston area can probably come pretty close to being all things to all people.
Prayer: Continue to stir our gifts, Amazing God, into a wonderful mixture of faithfulness. Gifts from different congregations, communities and organizations can make a genuine difference as we face a myriad of social, economic, emotional and spiritual needs. Be the guide, O Lord. Amen.
