Seeking common ground while staying grounded

TODAY'S READING: 1 Corinthians 9:17-27
I think we all live in this struggle between inadequacy and pride. There are times when I think there is no way on earth I deserve to have the love of God and I should not be a representative of Jesus. Other times I start feeling really good about myself and begin to believe that I can make it without God. Do you ever feel that way?
I believe that Paul struggled with this as well, but he found the key to balance between the two. What is this key, you ask? Self-control.
In his life of service to the Savior, Paul discovered that it's not about him. It doesn't really matter how inadequate he feels or how good he feels about himself. It's about putting our focus on the One who really matters.
But without self-control we are headed for disaster. Life in pursuit of Christ without self-control is like riding a roller coaster without restraint bars. You will either be on a ride that is so slow and tame it is not worth it or you will get thrown out and hurt.
And in the midst of all of this we see one of the most important reasons for self-control. It makes real ministry possible. Why?
Well, when we lack self-control and try to minister to those around us we can find ourselves drawn into the very things we are hoping to help pull others out of. That is what Paul trained himself to avoid.
He was only able to minister effectively to others because he learned how to live with purpose. Everything he did was Jesus-centered. Every thought he had was focused on the cross.
If we want to effectively reach those around us for Jesus we must train and develop self-control. It is only when we are properly prepared that we can be all things to all people without becoming completely like them.
Paul may have reached the Jews by relating to them where they were, but he didn't return to legalism.
Paul may have reached the Gentiles by relating to them were they were, but he didn't start worshipping idols.
Paul always looked for the common ground without sacrificing what he stood for. We must strive to do the same. If we take the message of Jesus to others while we live just like them, the message loses its power. But if we can take the message into their world and show them that Jesus is real where they are, we can change the world. Do you want the world to change you or do you want to change the world for Jesus? Developing self-control will have a lot to do with which one happens in your life.

shine!
Jason