Daily Worship

Isle of Arran

Neil MacLennan June 12, 2025 4 1
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Image credit: M Young
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1 Corinthians 9: 19-23

19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21 To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God’s law but am under Christ’s law), so as to win those not having the law. 22 To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

In our passage today Paul is modifying his social cues, vocabulary and life experience to relate to different audiences. We do this too, to a greater or lesser extent depending on our environment. So how does Paul (and how do we) avoid being disingenuous or lacking in integrity?

I’m a leader in the Boys’ Brigade and was once asked a question about part of our Object (which concludes, “and [the promotion of] all that tends towards a true Christian manliness”). The question was, “what is ‘true Christian manliness’?” (or more inclusively, ‘true Christian personhood’). I replied that there are many answers, but one response is to consider a stick of rock with something like “Isle of Arran” moulded and folded in as text from one end to the other. Now break the stick in two, then again, then again, and one more time for luck. No matter where you break it you see “Isle of Arran” written through the centre.

This is an analogy of the life, with God’s grace, I try to lead. There’s no “work Neil”, no “home Neil” no “church Neil” no “pub Neil”, no “Tesco Neil, no “BB Neil”. There’s just me — Neil. No matter where or how you come across me, I endeavour with integrity to be the same person. This approach also comes with the release of not having to remember who I’m supposed to be.

I have no reason to doubt Paul’s integrity in his interactions with the Jews and the Gentiles as he seeks to find relatable ways to share the Good News. 

So, if you need to, go ye and do likewise.

 

Prayer:

 

Holy Spirit,

Help me to be me: through and through.

Amen.