all things to all people

1 Corinthians 9

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.

Paul had it down when it came to being all things to all people.

He knew how to find common ground.

It seems like we spend a lot of time & energy delineating our difference from our unbelieving friends, acquaintances, & connections.

Maybe if we spent more time trying to find common ground so we could at least connect with people, maybe more people would be interested in the Jesus we say we follow.