All Things to All Men
“To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some” 1 Corinthians 9:22.
Have you ever considered just how 'we' are going to be made into the Body of Christ? I'm not talking about the assumption that everyone who claims to have had a born-again experience already are the Body; I'm talking about being transformed, being made a perfect reflection of the nature of Jesus, right here, right now, in our daily lives.
Do you ever find yourself resistant to change? Each one of us have our own personal struggles, all have suffered. Most have been out of organized religion for years. We all come from different backgrounds, with different family, economical, educational, cultural backgrounds. We are at different stages of spiritual growth, with different ideas of what we think it means to be living in the 'last days,' with different visions and expectations of what is going to happen. The only uniting thing is our love of the Lord.
The thing is, for so many years its just been 'me and the Lord,' that many of us are resistant to open up and let strangers in. I know, because I've been one of them doing the resisting. There have been so many hurts inflicted by others who professed to be christian that there is a strong tendency to hold back and not let anyone get too close. I think it is a flesh thing more than anything else; because the minute a red flag goes up over some different perspective or point of view we are ready to turn our back and go back to the 'just me and the Lord....don't need anyone else' lifestyle.
It has really opened my eyes to see how monumental a thing it will be to bring true 'unity in the spirit' to the body of Christ. I keep being reminded of what Paul said about 'being all things to all men,' as I was never clear on what he meant by that. From the interactions I have been exposed to for the past couple of years, after being completely content with being separated for so many years myself, I am beginning to wonder if he wasn't just speaking of being dead to all of his own opinions/feelings - Christ is the only one Who can be 'all things to all men.' Was Paul speaking of loving them where they are, not from our flesh, but by opening our hearts and allowing the HOLY SPIRIT the freedom to love them through us?
In the past, we have tried to do that by having our doctrines in order, being 'right,' according to our own understanding and experiences in this life. The things that got us this far, (into the wilderness, cut off and alone with God) have done their work and fulfilled their purpose, now it is time to move out into... we know not where, to do we know not what. It is much like a baby bird being kicked out of its nest and having to fly.... scary.
We can feel threatened, yes, even by other believers. They come in with their concepts and their problems, and things don't always mesh. We don't see eye to eye on every jot and tittle; we can't always relate to their history and how the Lord has dealt with them in their life, because it is so different from our own experience. They may be in a place we haven't walked in yet, so we don't understand where they are coming from. Our flesh just doesn't want to have to deal with it. We all have the ever present, 'why, why, why?' why did this happen? why did they say this or that? why do I feel this way? why can't they hear me? why am I even trying?' And the answer is always the same...
The thing is, for so many years its just been 'me and the Lord,' that many of us are resistant to open up and let strangers in. I know, because I've been one of them doing the resisting. There have been so many hurts inflicted by others who professed to be christian that there is a strong tendency to hold back and not let anyone get too close. I think it is a flesh thing more than anything else; because the minute a red flag goes up over some different perspective or point of view we are ready to turn our back and go back to the 'just me and the Lord....don't need anyone else' lifestyle.
It has really opened my eyes to see how monumental a thing it will be to bring true 'unity in the spirit' to the body of Christ. I keep being reminded of what Paul said about 'being all things to all men,' as I was never clear on what he meant by that. From the interactions I have been exposed to for the past couple of years, after being completely content with being separated for so many years myself, I am beginning to wonder if he wasn't just speaking of being dead to all of his own opinions/feelings - Christ is the only one Who can be 'all things to all men.' Was Paul speaking of loving them where they are, not from our flesh, but by opening our hearts and allowing the HOLY SPIRIT the freedom to love them through us?
In the past, we have tried to do that by having our doctrines in order, being 'right,' according to our own understanding and experiences in this life. The things that got us this far, (into the wilderness, cut off and alone with God) have done their work and fulfilled their purpose, now it is time to move out into... we know not where, to do we know not what. It is much like a baby bird being kicked out of its nest and having to fly.... scary.
We can feel threatened, yes, even by other believers. They come in with their concepts and their problems, and things don't always mesh. We don't see eye to eye on every jot and tittle; we can't always relate to their history and how the Lord has dealt with them in their life, because it is so different from our own experience. They may be in a place we haven't walked in yet, so we don't understand where they are coming from. Our flesh just doesn't want to have to deal with it. We all have the ever present, 'why, why, why?' why did this happen? why did they say this or that? why do I feel this way? why can't they hear me? why am I even trying?' And the answer is always the same...
Love them, no matter what, just as Christ loved us.
Be willing to die for them, just as He died for us.
Romans 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ... We want the glory; we want to know Him; but we can resist His ways (which are so not our ways). We are all sinners saved by grace. We all fall short when we say or do what seems right in our own eyes. Our flesh is satisfied with receiving grace, but not so generous when it comes to extending the same to others. Our flesh wants to set limits on who we love; they should be deserving; we should be in agreement with them;... Really? We will have to discard that attitude if we are committed to growing up in Christ.
“For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit” 1 Peter 3:18.
Friends, we are being put to death in the flesh, that we may then be raised in newness of life by the Spirit.
Jesus tells us...
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another” John 13:34.
There is a unity found where we can come together in mental agreement based on commonly shared beliefs, principles, etc., but this can also be nothing more than religious flesh. Then there is a unity brought about by the Spirit of God, which totally disregards all of the barriers our flesh can erect. We must ask ourselves then... what is going to distinguish the true from the counterfeit? The answer is simple: our love.
“Love is patient, is kind. Love is not jealous. Love is not bragging, is not puffed up, is not indecent, is not self-seeking, is not incensed, is not taking account of evil, is not rejoicing in injustice, yet is rejoicing together with the truth, is forgoing all, is believing all, is expecting all, is enduring all. Love is never lapsing...” 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 In what Spirit are we coming together? Another spirit can imitate many things; but genuine love is not one of them. In our flesh we cannot love in the face of evil, we cannot see with the eyes of God, we cannot sacrifice for the unrepentant, the just for the unjust.
It is not recorded, but it stands to reason that there may well have been other believers present when Stephen was stoned. And if so, then those same believers may have seen Saul of Tarsus there as well. They would have seen with their own eyes, that he was fully approving of the act. Having been witness to this, one can only imagine their skepticism when later this man, this Saul came to them, now bearing the name of Paul, claiming to having met with the Christ on the road to Damascus, and having been born-again. And we think we have been wronged and have the right to bear grudges? Just imagine how difficult it must have been for those believers to accept Paul into their fellowship?
The nature of mankind has not changed. We have leaned on the arm of the flesh and our carnal understanding all of our lives. To live by the Spirit, to judge all things by the Spirit is not something we can just talk about doing. Our words and our actions reflect what spirit we are of.
“Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit” 1 John 4:2-13.
Are we to believe that 'Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God' is limited to acknowledging that 2000 years ago a man named Jesus was born into this world? Or is there much more?... Jesus is the Head of the Body (church, ekklesia). The body is many membered, from every tribe and kindred and nation. For Jesus to come in the flesh, in every age, would mean that He came by His Spirit in His Body. In that light, we could understand that when we receive the Spirit of Christ in our brother and sister, in whatever measure it is there, we are receiving HIM. And when we reject and refuse the Christ in our brother and sister, we are rejecting and acting against Christ. That should sober us up in a hurry.
We need to start recognizing that it is by loving one another, that God dwells in us, and His Love is perfected in us.
All things to all men.....
“Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved” 1 Corinthians 10:33.
“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” 1 Corinthians 12:25.
“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that receiveth whomsoever I send receiveth me; and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me” John 13:20.
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen" Jude 1:21-25.
Amen & Amen,
Cathy Morris
1 comments:
Dearest Cathy,
Ha! I have to shout with our Lord because my spirit bears witness to that you have shared. As far as becoming all things to all men, I must confess that has been my life. God taught me long ago when I was first saved that it was my duty to love the unlovable. To walk and mingle with those the church system shunned. But in doing so, not to become caught up in their lifestyles, but to walk among them as a beacon shining bright showing them another way.
But what you have written, is what I have been before God with for a few weeks now, learning how to be quiet, not interjecting things because I have all the answers or to hear myself talk. But to be quiet, and allow the Lord to be in control moving when He would have me to move, and remain silent letting my speech be yes or no.
No matter where we are, the body is in operation. I am beginning to see that God puts us with whom we are to be with for a season, and when that season is over, he sends us to someone else. It makes sense, and even Christ Disciples experienced that in some degree. To walk with the same person always, does not give us the benefit of the rest of the body of Christ. Because God puts us together to learn from one another, and to as you say glean from one another. Sometimes we are put with someone for understanding or even sympathy. Sometimes we are placed with someone to act as sandpaper to smooth the rough edges.
So how do we know then this is what is happening? When we can walk away from one another in love knowing that if we don’t speak for ten years, when we do come together we still come together in love missing one another, and knowing that we appreciate that which God has given to us. That is true love.
We should not look at each other with bitterness in our heart, but rejoicing that God has given us one another to walk together during this journey. And when things suddenly become an irritant to us, it is not because we are looking at each other in a wrong light, but we need to accept it that God is moving us on to the next journey in our life. If we love God, then we love all of God’s creation, and we accept every one that God brings into our life as part of our learning process. Just as we realize that we are part of their process of coming to know God in a deeper way. This is the witness of Christ when we can say, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.
God has always used the body to help one another to mature and grow in Him. He has always used one another to exhort, and to give correction, and reproving. We all are God’s vessels, and He uses whomever He uses for whatever reason He uses us for, because as you say, He is God. We don’t have to understand what God is doing, all we have to do is believe that we know that His plan is perfect, and whatever way He desires to do things is just okay, for He is God. We have always been in a body ministry, but we have not always recognized it, because it has never seem perfect. But think about it, have we not grown from the things that has happened in our past? Have we not learned from every person we have met and have come into contact with? Have we not grown in every part and every way of our life? Have we ever stopped growing?
Some do not grow. They become hurt and embittered believing their hurt is worth much attention. They desire to stay in that place saying woe is me, I have been wronged, feel sorry for me. God, “I want”. But I believe every one of God’s people go through this at one time or another. But those who love God with all their heart, with all their soul, and with all their mind, they get over it and move on. Because they see that any negative they have experienced cannot be compared to that which God has in store for us.
I will close for now, but thank you for sharing that with me dear. I love you, and will talk to you later.
In His Love,
Lenella
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