Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law … so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law … so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 

~1 Corinthians 9:19, 22-23 NIV

No matter how low I set the deck on my riding lawn mower, those pesky dandelions always pop right back up after I have mowed over them. Why? Because they are the flexible ones. They have rubber stems that bend flat to the ground as the mower cuts, leaving them intact. But once I pass over them, they leap upright again. As I considered what a nuisance they were, I also had to admire their incredible flexibility. No wonder they keep multiplying.

The apostle Paul was also flexible. He became all things to all people so that those committing their way to the gospel of Jesus Christ kept multiplying under his ministry. Paul never compromised the truth of the gospel. By being flexible, however, he listened to the views of others, even when they differed from his. Through his sensitivity to other cultures and those different from himself, he became accepted by them. This, in turn, motivated them to open to the truth he preached.

Likewise, if we desire to see healthy growth within our churches, we need to heed Paul’s example. We live in what is often termed a “melting pot.” People from all nations, faiths, races, languages, and cultures move freely around the world, many settling among us. We must consider how open we are to being flexible enough to welcome them. We do this by listening to and respecting their values, cultures, races, and beliefs—even if we may not agree with them.

No one likes others to disrespect, challenge, or dismiss their beliefs, values, race, or culture. To do so effectively slams doors to friendship and the hope of demonstrating the love of Christ.

Jesus died for all. He respected all. As His servants, Jesus asks us to do likewise. We must die to self and our old inflexible ways so we can become all things to all people. In this way, God can work through us and save as many as possible.

Ask God to help you be flexible as you spread His love to others.

Father God, may Your Holy Spirit remind me daily to love my neighbor as myself. In Christ’s name, amen.

Genre: Non-fiction

Copyright 2025: Lynne Phipps: The Flexible Ones: All Rights Reserved.