gospel flex

I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.

1 Corinthians 9:22b

Flexibility. Webster’s dictionary gives these synonyms:

PLAINT: capable of being flexed.

TRACTABLE: yielding to influence.

The dictionary also gives this definition: characterized by a ready capability to adapt to a new, different, or changing requirements.

It is this definition that appears to best describe Paul’s attitudes toward ministering the gospel in his culture. He sought points of identity with people without compromising the gospel. Paul flexed into the gospel to find ways to befriend people. This allowed him to win and to make disciples of both Jews and Gentiles, those weak in conscience and those strong of conviction, men or women… it did not matter because the gospel taught Paul to flex.

And we see that as he planted churches. He met women at a river for prayer and study of the scriptures. He argued with philosophers on the Areopagus. He reasoned through the Old Testament in synagogues with Jews. He defended the gospel before magistrates and politicians. He made friends with slaves and with wealthy entrepreneurs. He evangelized as a prisoner, as a castaway, and Paul preached to sailors and to Caesar. Paul could flex and left us an example to do the same wherever we can.

I noticed while reading up on flexibility that Merriam-Webster.com has named “polarization” the Word of the Year for 2024. We live in a sad time where people easily polarize and attack other sides that are not like “their tribe”. So it is vital that Christians learn and practice what Paul knew over 2000 years ago: The gospel flexes. Jesus ends polarization. The gospel flexes and breaks down barriers so let’s learn to become “all things to all people”. “Gospel flexing” may be the Christian term for 2025!