“To the weak I became weak, in order to win the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by every possible means save some. Now I do all this because of the gospel, so that I may share in the blessings” (1 Corinthians 9:22-23).
We’ve heard the word “pivot” throughout this pandemic. It’s been used to describe the shifts made, particularly by churches, to adjust ministry strategy and meet immediate needs. Over the last few days, my social media feeds have started to fill up with reports of churches pivoting again—this time, to offer a haven for students who need a safe place to learn remotely this fall.
The pivots of the last several months remind me of Apostle Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 9, where he attempts to do what we often think is impossible: to be all things to all people. Weak to the weak, Jew to the Jew, like one living under the law to those likewise. An examination of his words show Paul identified with everyone in his orbit who needed to know Jesus. He pivoted from his understanding of himself—free in Christ—to meet people exactly where they were.
Because of the gospel.
Maybe the reason being all things to all people feels impossible is that when I try it, often, something other than the gospel is fueling me. The desire to please or be accepted. The compulsion to react quickly to mounting needs, rather than respond thoughtfully, guided by the Holy Spirit.
As the pandemic continues to require our pivots, may Jesus be the driving force behind the work we do, and the needs we meet.
Meredith Flynn is content manager for IBSA.