Tuesday, March 24, 2009

It's All In The Approach

SCRIPTURE
1 Corinthians 9:21-22 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by possible means I might save some.


OBSERVATION
Paul is reminding the church in Corinth to approach people with the Gospel at their level. When sharing the Lord with others Christians often speak in their own language "Christianize". It can cause us to not effectively communicate the Gospel. It's important to meet people where they are. Just as God does for us. In my approach I must ask, does the tone of my voice reflect Christ, or am I jumping on some one's back beating them with the Gospel?

Working with children has helped refine my approach. An example of this would be; "all of us need Jesus to come in our heart and live inside". Children respond with; "How does he get in there? Does the doctor put him in there? Will it hurt? How long does he stay there? How will he eat in there"? But if I tell a child "Jesus loves you so much he wants to guide your life and help you do what's right. He wants to be the BOSS of your life". They get it! They understand authority and who's in charge. It's all in the approach.


APPLICATION
I need to seek God's guidance on my approach. At times I need to be quite and let my life speak to others. I need to put myself in a person's shoes to see where they are coming from. I know I can't do this on my own, I must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As I allow Him to guide me with the right words and the right approach for a specific person. I am reminded in verse 22 "by all possible means I might save some". Not all will be saved for some I am merely planting a seed for the Holy Spirit to do His work.

PRAYER
Father, Help me to communicate the Gospel to each individual as uniquely as they are. Thank you Lord that I will be lead by your Holy Spirit. In Jesus name, Amen!

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