Thursday, February 26, 2009

1 Cor 9:22 b Common Ground

In some other translations Paul says he tried to be all things to all men that he might save some. In the NLT (new living translation) he says he tries to fine common ground. The point of finding common ground - helping others find or take steps towards Christ. To me, that is what it is all about. Common ground for conversation, common ground for relationship. It could be Nascar, biking, rowing, books, beer, music, some craft or collection. We show an interest in them and their life. Does that mean I am going to start collecting Barbie dolls to save the Barbie doll lover, NO? maybe a common concern, maybe just something I can learn from the person to improve my knowledge. Today I simply asked my friend about optical work as he has been an optician. I am not trying to save his soul, I am being human and trying to see if I can bring something of help in vision care to Ugandans at some point. He had a lot to offer in something I know nothing about except that people have trouble seeing, need correct glasses and that I need 1.5 magnification to read things near at hand.

If you google common ground you will find housing, pubs, reconciliation resources, coffee shops, something with gay and lesbian concerns, computer language, a radio show and lots more. As a man, human and pastor I want to find common ground that God may open a door to Godself in Jesus Christ through me. I know a couple of churches and friends that have opened coffee houses named "Common Grounds" great idea and I love coffee and coffee people.

Our president, Barak Obama "No one is exempt from the call to find common ground."

I like it FIND COMMON GROUND and see what happens.

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