1st Corinthians 9:22 “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” 

From the experience I have ministering in a different cultural context and to people in the U.S, I can testify to one very important principle that Paul stressed in 1 Corinthians 9:22. After spending a month in Central Asia I had a friend ask me, “Do you really want to learn the language here?” And he proceeded to ask why I was in the country. I told him that I did desire to learn the language, but I struggled to do so. Also, while spending time in this country I was told to try many different foods. Foods that the people I was ministering to absolutely loved, and if I were to say how much I disliked some of the food or how disgusting it looked or tasted I may have completely destroyed any chance at sharing Christ with them. An experience that I have had in the U.S in becoming all things to all people is going to where they’re at. I have, and will go joyfully to the bars or parties; as well I would go for a long run, rock climbing, or bowling, for sake of winning some to Christ. It is often a struggle to go into these situations, but the reward of their salvation is far greater than any feeling or struggle I might go through. So, is it worth it? Is it worth eating nasty food, learning a language, or going into sketchy situations that others might be saved? If you truly love the people you are going to, the answer will always be “yes.” In the following link John Piper speaks about becoming all things to all people that some might be saved. Ultimately he asks this question. Are you passionate about the salvation of others?

John Piper: Becoming all things to all people that some might be saved