Today my husband is taking Joe and Jessa to register for school. We are new to the area and this will be their first time in public school. I would lie if I said that I am not nervous for them. The things that they will be exposed to and impacted by are going to be new. This is going to be defining for them spiritually, emotionally and academically. I have so many things that I want to tell them, however, God keeps bringing me back to I Corinthians 9:19-23.

In this passage of scripture, the Apostle Paul, keeps the goal and the method simple to understand. He was a servant of others to the point of becoming all things to all people in order to win them to Christ. Simple to understand but hard to live. What does that look like?

Paul understood the concept that "People Don't Care How Much You Know Until They Know How Much You Care" {Theodore Roosevelt}. He knew that in order to be able to share Jesus with someone he would need to identify with them and understand what they were going through. He did not compromise his relationship with the Lord but he focused on serving others where they were at to be able to give them hope! Paul knew the value of walking in their shoes. He didn't waist time judging he was too busy trying to figure out how to win them to Christ. Everyone had needs and he wasn't shocked by the way others lived.

Joe and Jessa when you go to school you are going to see all kinds of people! They all need Jesus and they all have hurts. Your MISSION should you choose to accept is to BECOME ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE TO WIN THEM! Some will be difficult to figure out because they hide behind the way they dress, their anger, laughter, accomplishments, fear, money, poverty, disabilities and more. Take time to understand the people God puts in your path. Pray for wisdom to see them the way God sees them and the strength to serve in order to share Jesus with them and give them hope. There has been no greater moment to live for the Lord! Joshua 1:9

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.

Be The One by Al Denson