Dear families in Christ,
"That's not me (who I am)." As we grow in Christ, we often build up identities in Christ, defined by our boundaries, tendencies and preferences. We safeguard these identities because we are comfortable with them and would sometimes be uncomfortable if we were exposed to differences. For example, some Christians drink while others do not, and some have tattoos while others do not. When we are forced to conform to things that we are not comfortable or familiar with, we feel that they threaten our identities in Christ. I often think that upholding what I personally believe is right and then convincing others of that would lead them to Jesus. However, Paul said he became all things for all people, so he that might save some. He bent many of the ways he was comfortable and familiar with for the chance that some may come to Christ. He even became like one under the law to win those under the law. So what did Paul use to save them if it wasn't the message of being free from the yoke of slavery? The other day, one guy came to me in Zola and asked me for sponsorship. He wanted me to sponsor a pool table for his new bar. Obviously I declined, but it got me thinking. Then, I realized that Paul didn't try to win people over by telling such men to not drink or to close the bar, he was trying to win them over with love by being with them.
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