Who is the first person you remember who shared their faith with you? Do you remember what they said or did? If your conversation with that person was impactful, I am confident they demonstrated a method that was approachable as they shared their faith with you. They probably did not speak in big "churchy" words that you did not understand. You see, when it comes to sharing our faith, remaining culturally relevant while remaining doctrinally pure is the most effective and powerful way to reach someone who is far from Christ.
The apostle Paul wrote about the importance of doing everything he possibly could to reach the lost. This included remaining culturally relevant. He wrote about his approach in 1 Corinthians 9, saying, "When I am with those who are weak, I share their weaknesses, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some" (verse 22). Paul expressed a desire to do everything he possibly could to reach the lost. He tried to relate with everyone, including understanding their culture and values, whether he was ministering to Jews or Gentiles. Notice that he wrote that he did "everything to reach the lost. Why did he go to such great lengths? The answer can be found in the following verse. Paul wrote, "I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessing" (verse 23). Paul was motivated by the good news of Jesus Christ that salvation is available through Him. He wanted this message to spread throughout the world. The incredible truth is that Paul's message reached far and wide. It was so expansive that you and I are reading the books of the Bible that he wrote today. His approach of finding "common ground" and being culturally relevant.
Paul set an incredible example for us to follow. We, too, will find most success in sharing our faith when we try to relate to the culture. As we relate to culture, we understand how to speak in a way that makes sense to others, and we also understand their burdens and worries. All of these things will aid us as we seek to share our faith. How can you relate to culture today, always remaining culturally pure?
"Am I not as free as anyone else? Am I not an apostle? Haven't I seen Jesus our Lord with my own eyes? Isn't it because of my work that you belong to the Lord? 2 Even if others think I am not an apostle, I certainly am to you. You yourselves are proof that I am the Lord's apostle.
3 This is my answer to those who question my authority. 4 Don't we have the right to live in your homes and share your meals? 5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does? 6 Or is it only Barnabas and I who have to work to support ourselves?
7 What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn't have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn't allowed to drink some of the milk? 8 Am I expressing merely a human opinion, or does the law say the same thing? 9 For the law of Moses says, "You must not muzzle an ox to keep it from eating as it treads out the grain." Was God thinking only about oxen when he said this? 10 Wasn't he actually speaking to us? Yes, it was written for us, so that the one who plows and the one who threshes the grain might both expect a share of the harvest.
11 Since we have planted spiritual seed among you, aren't we entitled to a harvest of physical food and drink? 12 If you support others who preach to you, shouldn't we have an even greater right to be supported? But we have never used this right. We would rather put up with anything than be an obstacle to the Good News about Christ.
13 Don't you realize that those who work in the temple get their meals from the offerings brought to the temple? And those who serve at the altar get a share of the sacrificial offerings. 14 In the same way, the Lord ordered that those who preach the Good News should be supported by those who benefit from it. 15 Yet I have never used any of these rights. And I am not writing this to suggest that I want to start now. In fact, I would rather die than lose my right to boast about preaching without charge. 16 Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn't preach the Good News!
17 If I were doing this on my own initiative, I would deserve payment. But I have no choice, for God has given me this sacred trust. 18 What then is my pay? It is the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. That's why I never demand my rights when I preach the Good News.
19 Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ.
22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.
24 Don't you realize that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize? So run to win! 25 All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. 26 So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. 27 I discipline my body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified."
