Daily Devotional For Thursday, February 6, 2025
This week is flying! We are already on Thursday and it seems that it was just Monday. Have you ever heard of a Chameleon? These are little lizards that utilize protective coloration for protection. They have the ability to change color and blend into their surroundings so that they almost are invisible. In some way, the Apostle Paul, that former legalistic Saul became a “Chameleon” for Christ. He alludes to this in 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23:
“I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. (23) I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it” (NASB).
One of Paul’s enviable personality traits was his ability to speak to different groups of people. He admitted that he was a bit like a chameleon by changing his presentation in order to relate to the people he was with. To the Jews, he spoke about Jesus as the Messiah, whose coming had been foretold by their prophets. To the pagans, who worshipped various idols and rulers, he spoke about his God being the Only True God.
He never compromised his message, but he did whatever it took to convince his listeners that the gospel was true. We have the same assignment, but it may look a little different for us. It might be reaching out to the homeless or the poorest among us to see how you can help in a way that does not further diminish their dignity. It could mean finding a pathway to visit prisoners in the local jail to share the good news. Wherever God invites us, let’s humble ourselves and be willing to adapt and change to reach the world for Jesus.
It seems that many times the church loves what the Apostle Paul wrote, but we just do not want to model it. It is sad when the secular world of the government does a better job at this than we. Take for example what the Oakland, California Police Force did:
“The Oakland, California, police force recently unveiled its first "lowrider" police car. The vehicle has the standard logo, lights, and siren, but also includes chrome wheels, hydraulic lifts, and a 500-watt sound system. The car was put on the force to help officers build better relationships with inner-city kids. Paul applied the same principle to evangelism in (1 Corinthians 9:22-23): "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some” (Source: Chip Johnson, Fresh Illustrations For Preaching and Teaching).
The Apostle Paul worked to find a common group with anyone who would listen to him for the opportunity to share the Gospel without compromise. Look at what he writes in 1 Corinthians 9:19-22a:
“For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. (20 To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; (21) to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. (22) To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak” (NASB).
We have more in common with people if we will simply just look for it rather than looking to be judgmental or condemning. If we restrict our sphere of influence to only where we fit in or are comfortable, we will miss limitless God-opportunities that will change our lives and the lives of others we never imagined to bless.
Questions To Consider
- When you are around lost people or unbelievers, are you intentional to look for common ground or is your mind wandering with judgmentalism and condemnation? Which is the proof for either answer?
- What do you think of the Oakland, California Police Forces’ attempt to find common ground with inner-city kids and why? We are not told how successful they were, but is that what is most important? Wy?
- Who do you know either at work, or school or in your neighborhood or wherever you go that you need to work at building a bridge of common ground with soon? How will you do that?
Scripture To Meditate On: 1 Corinthians 10:33, “Just as I also please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of the many, so that they may be saved” (NASB).
Prayer To Pray: “Heavenly Father, thank You for Your invitation to carry Your message of reconciliation through the cross to those who need to hear. Help me be a courageous and bold ambassador of Your truth and walk through every door You open before me. May I be all You desire me to be for the sake of the gospel and the transformed lives of many for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
I love you Southside!--Pastor Kelly