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. 21 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. 22 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.
Abuse does not negate use. Augustine wrote that to make sure that we do not throw out the baby with the bath water. If someone abuses baptism, calling it salvation, we do not stop baptizing. These verses have been used to the other extreme, as an excuse to abuse our freedom and live any way we choose in order to “Be a witness”. What usually happens is the ruin of the person and a poor representation of Jesus to the world.
Here is how it works in our context. I can lead my drunken friends to Christ by getting drunk with them, exhibiting my “Christian liberty”. To the drunks, I became a drunk in order that some may be saved. It is as crazy as it sounds. Paul took a balanced approach that weighs the innate sinfulness we share with the need for repentance. Paul’s rule of thumb, once again, comes into play as he was ever concerned with how we are perceived in the world. Whatever leads others to Christ.
Dear Lord, thank you that you are Christ and we can lead others with us by your grace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church