A Fine Line

I’ve been processing something the last few days: the line between compromising my faith and becoming “all things to all men.”  The line seems very clear sometimes, while fuzzy in others.  On one hand I know the gospel never changes and what it commands of my life never does either.  At the same time articulating that to others, through words and life, can and often should differ from person to person.

The other balance is making sure “all things to all men” doesn’t become a fear of man!  Many times, I think, this is where we begin to compromise.  We can often rationalize a fear of man (not wanting them to think of us differently, fear of taking a stand, etc.) as trying to be all things to all men.

I know people have talked about articulating the gospel message to different cultures for hundreds of years.  Missionaries have processed through this for centuries.  But, it’s one thing if you’re thinking about it on a cultural level…but, what about on a personal level with people whom you’re closest?  Sometimes the toughest thing to do is clearly articulate the gospel (in word or life) to those closest to us, with those we have the most to lose.

Another tough balance is giving into people’s desires and wishes.  As leaders we can often try to attract people by meeting their desires.  But, this is such a fine line at a heart level.  Are we really trying to be all things to all men, or are we simply afraid of failure, fearful of what man thinks…is any of this making sense?

The more I think of this at a heart level, the more I realize my personal motivations get mixed at times.  There have certainly been times where I’ve rationalized something as being “all things to all men,” when in fact I was simply afraid of man.  If you can relate in anyway, do what I just did, share it with someone you’re discipling.  Letting college-age people into your heart struggles is one of the most effective things we can ever do with them!