1 Corinthians 9:19,22 – Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. (NIV)

The rabbit population has been growing in our area, so it is not unusual to see them hopping about in all seasons. In the winter, they are pure white. In the summer, they are brown, and in the spring and the fall, they are a combination of both colours as they go through their seasonal change. This ability to change colour is a God-given one. Changing their appearance gives them the greatest protection from their predators, allowing them to blend in with their natural surroundings, to become part of the landscape, so to speak.

The apostle Paul cultivated, through the power of the Spirit of Christ within him, a similar ability to blend in, to become part of his surroundings, to change as change was needed in order to reach as many people for Christ as possible. Paul did not change his value system or his beliefs, his morality or who he was in Christ. What he did change was his ability to adapt and relate to the various situations that he encountered and the people that he rubbed shoulders with. Paul was a servant, one who looked to the needs of others that his life and its actions might reveal the light and power of Christ within him: a light and power which drew others not only to him but ultimately to Jesus Christ as Paul shared with them the source of his goodness.

What a marvellous ability to possess: an ability which is there to be cultivated for all of God's people as we look to Him each and every day, not only asking for His guidance and wisdom but also bowing our wills to the power of His Word and way in order to become all things to all people so that by all possible means we might save some.

Prayer: Father God, grant us willing hearts to be Your slaves to everyone, to win as many as possible for Jesus. Grow us spiritually to become the kind of people that You want us to be: those who are able to reach out in love, wisdom, and acceptance to everyone. In the wonderful name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

Lynne Phipps <lynnephippsatlin@gmail.com>
Tawatinaw, Alberta, Canada
Send your feedback to the author