Accountability – Relating to others
“For although I am a free man, not bound to do anyone’s bidding, I have made myself a slave to all in order to win as many people as possible. That is, with Jews, what I did was put myself in the position of a Jew, in order to win Jews. With people in subjection to a legalistic perversion of the Torah, I put myself in the position of someone under such legalism, in order to win those under this legalism, even though I myself am not in subjection to a legalistic perversion of the Torah. With those who live outside the framework of Torah, I put myself in the position of someone outside the Torah in order to win those outside the Torah — although I myself am not outside the framework of God’s Torah but within the framework of Torah as upheld by the Messiah.With the “weak” I became “weak,” in order to win the “weak.” With all kinds of people I have become all kinds of things, so that in all kinds of circumstances I might save at least some of them.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-22
As we read in this passage from the pen of Rav Sha’ul, the Apostle Paul, he strongly believed that relating to others was an important part of his mission. Many have read this passage as proof of Paul’s manipulative behaviour, used only for the sole purpose of bringing people into the Kingdom. However, what he is really showing us is one of the essential issues of accountability – relating to others. If we have no relationship with others, how will we ever carry on a meaningful dialogue. Thus, Paul is really telling us, this is his way of creating common ground with those with whom he interacts.
Abba B’Shamayim, Heavenly Father, You have given us a clear example of how we may create common ground with those with whom we interact. Thank you for leading us forward, sharing the Gospel in a meaningful way. B’Shem Adonai Yeshua, Mashichainu, our Messiah, Amen.
