All Things To All People

Above all else, we are called to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Our Savior's final instruction to his disciples was to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This is a very simple instruction; be a disciple--a follower of Jesus Christ---and go make disciples---other followers of Jesus Christ. Of all nations eliminates selective discipling. So the question becomes, "How do we make disciples of all nations?"

The Apostle Paul--arguably the greatest discipler--shares with us one of the keys to discipleship in 1 Corinthians 9:22 ...I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. Paul was secure in the freedom he had in Christ (v.19) and his motivation was to share the blessings of the Gospel (v.23). Like his Savior, he developed a servant's heart to help him reach as many people as possible. But he also knew a foundational relationship needed to be established first before discipleship could be accomplished (v.20-22). A willingness to meet people where they are was critical. Common ground had to be identified and used to bridge cultural gaps.

While we have much is common with fellow believers; we should never underestimate how much we have in common with the lost. First and foremost, we are sinners just like they are. This is all the motivation we need to share the life-saving power of the blood of Christ. We also have common demographics such as occupation, family, hobbies and experiences that can open doors to making disciples. I can honestly say that every person I've ever helped lead to Christ or have significant spiritual impact in their lives began by building relationship.

Paul knew that in order to reach people in places as diverse as Rome, Corinth, Thessalonica, Colossae, Philippi and Galatia he needed to enter into their world and relate to their challenges and struggles. The same mindset holds true for us today in our own personal mission fields. The moment we stop looking at the differences we have with others and focus on the similarities instead is the moment we can ignite the fuse of discipleship.