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.

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.