All things to all men

"Although I am not bound to anyone, I made myself the slave of all so as to win over as many as possible. To the weak I became a weak person with a view to winning the weak. I have made myself all things to all men in order to save at least some of them." (1 Corinthians 9: 22 – 23)

To paraphrase Paul: "I can glory in my weakness because through it I can be all things to all men. In the past, I tended to project a too strong a personality and it frightened and alienated people." Paul used his rich and varied background and experiences to win souls for Christ. To those who boast that they knew Jesus in the flesh and had seen him, he revealed his own credentials. To the weak who are depressed by their sins, he shows his uncomplimentary past and tells them how the grace of Jesus saved him from that fate. Biography can be a powerful tool in evangelization.

If Paul used his rich and varied background to promote Christ Jesus, so can I. I know what it is to be addicted to tobacco and alcohol. I have experienced ill health for a long period and I have also enjoyed the sweetness of complete recovery. I have been jobless for years and I have the experience of having three jobs at the same time. God's wonderful providence has permitted me to experience the ups and downs of life so that I can be all things to all men.

Lord Jesus, may your graces to me not be ineffective. Amen!