Becoming All Things To All Men

During this past week I read the writings of Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapters 4-16, and it was really impressed in my mind how I can better be a husband and a father, but equally important, I was impressed about why it is important to be a good example to others.

The reading got me thinking about where we should be examples (which automatically adds "to whom" we should be good examples), and why we should demonstrate through our actions what our beliefs are. Well, this is what I came up with.

Paul, as I believe I have stated before (and if I haven't, there here goes...): Paul was a great example that we should follow of what an effective missionary is, and how we as members have to behave in order to help others come unto Christ. Paul states in 1 Corinthians 9:1, 16, 20-23 that, in essence, he adapted his teachings to the audience that he was preaching to. For example, in verse 20, he states that "unto the Jews, I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews". This does not mean that he practiced their traditions (which he used to practice faithfully) in order to have a "way in" with the Jews he was preaching to. Elder McConkie expertly clarified the meaning of "I am made all things to all men". He said:

"Paul here says that he made himself all things to all men in an effort to get them to accept the gospel message; that is, he adapted himself to the conditions and circumstances of all classes of people, as a means of getting them to pay attention to his teachings and testimony. And then, lest any suppose this included the acceptance of their false doctrines or practices, or that it in any way involved a compromise between the gospel and false systems of worship, he hastened to add that he and all men must obey the gospel law to be saved" (The Life and Teachings of Jesus and His Apostles, second edition, page 290).

People are much more receptive to what you have to say if they feel that they have a connection with you, which may make them trust you more. This by no means is supposed to be interpreted as to mean that we should beguile people with charades, but if we look then we will find things that we have in common with others, and when we add that to our sincere love and desire to help others, the Spirit will touch those who are prepared to receive the gospel.

The biggest part of this method of approaching others is that we sincerely yearn to have a connection with the person, and form a bond that will help the person to feel our love for them (instead of feeling tricked or used). This means that even when the person does not accept our message right away, we are still their friends and care for them, even though we may feel rejected. The friendships we form with others can be the greatest tool we have at our disposal, because they those we with whom we have shared the gospel with will turn to us with their questions and concerns when the time is right.