17TH JANUARY
1 Corinthians 9:24-25
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? So run that you may obtain it. Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.”=
Speak people’s language so that they will understand you!
This passage in 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 is written by Paul, who had the Isthmian Games in mind.
The Isthmian Games was a festival of athletic and musical competitions in honour of the sea god Poseidon, held at his sanctuary right there on the Isthmus of Corinth. Those reading this letter in Corinth would have been really familiar with the Isthmian Games. They probably grew up attending the games and knew everything there was to know about them.
Paul uses language the Corinthians were used to in order to communicate significant spiritual truths. In the Isthmian Games, those who won the competition were awarded a celery crown for the prize. Paul describes it as a “perishable crown”, yet focuses the believer’s attention on an “imperishable crown”.
Jesus practised this same principle of communicating with people in their own way of talking. He invited Peter, James, John and Andrew to follow him and learn to evangelise effectively. Since they were fishermen he put it this way, “Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.” No more explanation was needed. He didn’t use that terminology when he called his other disciples.
Follow the example of Jesus and Paul when you are trying to introduce God to the people in your life. Get to know those people. Know what resonates with them, what they are passionate about, what they have experience in. Use word-pictures from their everyday life that are familiar to them.
MAKE IT PERSONAL
Imagine that you are sharing the gospel with a teenager who is passionate about art. How would you talk to her in a way that she would understand it the best?