The Narrow Way

I’ve noticed a heartwarming trend when I’m out in the yard lately, especially if the sheep are out of their paddock. No matter what I do, or where I go, the animals follow me 🙂❤️

I can literally take a selfie with the camera pointing behind me, and you will see the dogs, chickens, cats, and sheep keeping pace. 🤣 I feel like Dr. Dolittle🙈

That said, if I’m out there long enough parading around with my mixed posse behind, another thing starts to happen. Daisy, the matriarch sheep of my flock (and always the closest sheep to me), will usually start to charge and head butt the dogs. She seems to do this when she thinks they’re too close to me. Similarly, the dogs will try to chase the sheep off for the same reason. The cats and chickens are too small, so they flee when this nonsense starts. I usually start yelling at whoever started it and it ends 😁

“I become all things to all men in order that I might win some.”

Why does this happen? I think it’s because both the dogs and the sheep count me as their own. Daisy tries pushing the dogs back to protect me, the dogs do the same.

I’m obviously quite different from both. I don’t walk like them, or talk like them. I don’t sleep where they sleep or eat what they eat. But they don’t seem to care about that. They seem to accept and welcome me. 🙂

They trust me. Period.

Over time they’ve seen good come from me whether a scratch on the head, feed, or some treats.

I’ve not tried to change who they are.

The sheep are sheep; the dogs, dogs.

We’ve built a relationship over time on the few things we have in common, mainly food.

But it all hinges on trust.

Not surprisingly, it’s no different with people.

When you read Paul’s writing saying “I become all things to all men…” I think he’s referring to relatability. He had found what was common, and over time, having been consistent in character, he was trusted. Credible.

I’m going to use a phrase I don’t like, but when it comes to “relational evangelism,” trust and consistency are key, just like with the sheep and the dogs.

People all over watch to see if we, Christian’s, are consistent. If we are genuine. It’s the consistent witness they trust—not the perfect one. I’ve heard believers share about how hard they try to be a good Christian in front of the un-saved. This is not wrong, but, it can be unintentionally deceiving 😕. When we cover up our flaws, we present an unrealistic picture to the un-saved. Maybe it’s just me, but I certainly STILL have shortcomings and some are glaringly obvious 😬. Some are slips of the tongue or attitude…I could go on…🙈

What I want to suggest is, it’s ok, use it! Mistakes aren’t as catastrophic to our witness in the way you might think. Mistakes offer an opportunity to show humility and grace towards yourself the way the Lord does. I’ve heard believers condemn themselves at times for things like this. Sure, it’s not what we want, we should always be striving towards holiness, but it happens. In such cases, remember that “God (really does) works ALL things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose…” That slip of the tongue, it’s not a ship sinker, it’s a moment to humble yourself openly, repent, and demonstrate the beauty of grace 🙌

This is going to sound weird to some, but the Christian who appears “perfect” isn’t usually trusted. And rightfully so because the truth is: there is no such thing. When we portray perfection, we often become unapproachable and unrelatable. If you have no problems, faults, or short comings, how can you relate to the lost? In your perfection and glory? Not likely. Humans connect through hardships and brokenness. They trust others who are like them, not the ones who are completely unlike them. They build bonds on what is common, not uncommon. Purity, holiness, and perfection–while admirable and desirable–are not where we find common ground with the unbeliever.

Important to emphasize: I am NOT suggesting that we (Christians) lower our standard or jump into sin for the sake of being perceived differently. What I AM suggesting is more transparency. It’s ok to show your scars, your faults, and your imperfections. To hide them means is to avoid the whole truth of who we are. I’m not saying you have to fully disclose every issue or shortcoming, there’s a place for wisdom and discernment, but it’s more OK to be transparent.

It’s no different than my animals…

If I go out to my sheep pen and call them with the intent of catching them, they rarely come. The same is true with my dogs. Animals are an excellent judge of character and motives. They smell “something is up…” and want no dealings with ‘pretend’ me. No matter how hard I try to cover my intentions, they stand back.

Our relationship is built on trust, transparency, and the few things we have in common (mainly shared space and food). If I want to catch my animals to say, do hoof trimming or brush out their coats, I need to remember what is common and go back to that. Even after trust has been established.

We like to think we, humans, are so much different than animals, but there’s a lot that the same. Humans don’t trust other humans when they sense a cover up. If I’m trying so hard to win people to Jesus that I actually *pretend* to be someone I’m not, people know it and they stay away. When I’m genuinely exposed, faults, short comings and all, people (and animals) trust me.

Back to the mess ups…when I mess up around un-believers, I don’t condemn myself. I repent. I trust God to cover my faults. Then, depending on the issue, I may even go to them and tell them “this was wrong, and I apologize” or “I shouldn’t have…” They usually look at me a little funny, but something happens in those moments and trust is actually deepened. When I mess up in front of someone I’m discipling or someone I’m trying to be a witness to, an opportunity to share about grace opens up. Conviction. Forgiveness. I don’t purposely mess up in order to have these opportunities and conversations, but it happens more than I’d like 🤣

My animals trust me because they’ve come to know me over time. Even when I’ve violated their trust (luring them somewhere for cares for example), we have history and common ground enough to preserve our relationship. People aren’t much different. If you spend time with them on what is common, (sometimes only food and environment), you’ll eventually have enough character reserve built up to give care. Spiritual care. The difference is, when it comes to people, you’ll need to be humble enough to expose and address your mistakes if you expect them to continue to trust you. The animals just need a treat, lol.

I believe at least *some* of what Paul meant when he said “I become all things to all men in order that I might win some,” is that he wasn’t afraid to be on their level. He didn’t turn down their food for being “unclean,” he didn’t separate himself out as a believer in Jesus, he lowered himself just like Jesus did, to participate in what is common. In doing this, he built trust and demonstrated love. Trust and love transcend culture. They can be understood even through language barriers, heck, even across species 🐑 🐶 🐈 🐓

If we want to win the lost, we have to dwell in what’s common. I recommend food…the great equalizer…

“You can’t win those you don’t love.” This phrase whispered to my spirit so many years ago too often resurfaces in my mind as a reminder…

“Love your neighbor as yourself…” Mark 12:31

Be genuine. Be honest. Be loving. And do it with everyone around you. In doing so you sow seeds of eternal value as you trust God for the rest. In His timing, He will knock on the hearts of those around you and one day, God-willing, you’ll be able to look over your shoulder and see them following you just like my animals do.

As always, thanks for stopping by 💚