Deeper Life #257

To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

—1 Corinthians 9:22

PAUL DID NOT SAY, “I became all things to all men that I might show what a wonderful being I am.” That is the modern interpretation of it. I hear people say that Paul showed his wonderful breadth of mind, his wonderful culture and generosity, his gentleness and patience by becoming all things to all men. He did nothing of the sort. He said he became all things to all men for one purpose only—that he might save some. There was no thought about himself in the whole matter.

This attitude of Paul sheds light on the phrase, “passion for souls.” A passion for souls may either be a diseased lust or a divine love. Let me give you a specimen of it as a diseased lust:” Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:15). Proselyte is a technical word for “convert.” By saying this, our Lord showed that the Pharisees’ great passion for souls bore the stamp of the Devil. If you read Acts 13:43–50, you will find that the proselytes became exactly what Jesus Christ said they would be: twofold more the children of hell than the Jews. They became superstitious and even more fanatical.

I wonder whether we understand what a “passion for souls” really is.

Prayer Thought: Lord, increase my vision and passion for lost souls. Help me to love as You love!

SUGGESTED READING: 1 Corinthians 9:16–22