Former Blackout Artist

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. – 1 Corinthians 9:22-23

Years ago I was watching a movie where one of the main characters was a young black guy who started a new job as a telemarketer. The first couple of weeks were very challenging, until a fellow coworker – an elderly black man – told him, “The reason you ‘re struggling is because you sound like a young black man. Nobody gonna listen to you – you gotta find your “white” voice!”

A few weeks later the young black guy was no longer struggling with people hanging up on him. He had, in fact, become one of the leading salesmen for the company.

I don’t think Paul would use that movie scene as an illustration for what he he’s talking about here in 1 Corinthians 9:22, but it is somewhat relatable.

He writes, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”

At first glance, those words might sound like Paul is saying we should blend in with whatever crowd we’re around. But that’s not what he means. Paul never changed the message of the gospel. He changed his approach so that unnecessary barriers wouldn’t keep people from hearing about Jesus.

Think about it – that’s what Jesus did for us, right? He entered our world, took on flesh just like you and me, walked among sinners like you and me, and ultimately gave His life on the cross. Jesus met us where we were so He could bring us to where we could never go on our own!

Paul understood that if Jesus had laid aside His own rights to save him, then Paul could certainly lay aside his own preferences to reach others.

That raises an important question: Are we more committed to our comfort or to Jesus’ Great Commission?

Sometimes “becoming all things” simply means slowing down to listen to someone who needs encouragement. Sometimes it means building a genuine friendship with someone who doesn’t yet know Christ. Other times it means giving up a personal preference – or what Paul would aptly call a freedom – so someone else can clearly see the love of Jesus.

We don’t ever compromise the truth, but we should always be willing to sacrifice our comfort.

Every day, God places people in our path who need hope. We may not be able to change their hearts – that’s God’s work – but we can remove obstacles, love them well, and faithfully point them to Jesus.

So today, ask God to show you one person you can intentionally love, despite how different they might be from you, for the sake of the gospel.