“For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, 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 not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 ESV

Sometimes people read this passage and use it as a way to justify their behavior, walking on the wide path or in living in the way of the ‘old man.’ Paul didn’t intended this passage to be a general permission slip to go and do whatever you want, whatever your flesh desires, under the umbrella of the gospel.

There are unscrupulous people who, on the company dollar, will eat extravagantly and stay in excessively expensive hotels when out on business trips. They figure that they are out representing their company, and ‘no one really cares’ so they go a little nuts with the company funds. It seems harmless, and so they live it up a little.

As Christians, we know that everything we do is done in representation of Christ. Everything we say is as His ambassador. We should do anything and everything to bring people to Christ, not neglecting an opportunity to share Jesus if we have a chance. But we do not do this in a way that would compromise the most basic principles of our faith.

For the sake of reaching Hindu people, I would eat vegetarian and wear the same clothes as those in their country, but I will not worship with them in a Hindu temple, even though they would most likely accept it. For the sake of reaching Muslims, I would grow out my beard (already done anyway) and give up bacon and pork BBQ, but I am not bowing to pray when they pray, lest they misunderstand. And to minister to an alcoholic, I am not going to go to a bar and get wasted with them, just to prove I can walk their road.

Become all things to all people, relate with them, speak in their language, approach them where they are, but do not compromise the truth of the gospel or its calling on your life. We cannot effectively GoLove others if we will not stand firm in the truth that we proclaim. We must do whatever we can, within reason and propriety, to share Jesus Christ with anyone and everyone.

There are about 1,560 unreached people groups remaining on earth. Less than 2,000 dialects that lack the gospel in their heart language and do not have a missionary presence in their culture. In order for us to complete this commissioning, some of us must be willing to Go and Love others in a way that resonates with them, but is foreign to us, in a place remote to us, but called ‘home’ by someone else. God is moving His people in work, both home and abroad, to complete this epic task of evangelizing the world.

This is our calling. This is our joy.
What is your part in it?