Work to Increase Participation

“to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 NKJV

In a story published by CBS 8 San Diego News on Sunday, it was reported that the 27th annual Rock 'n' Roll Marathon drew more than 31,000 participants to San Diego over the weekend, marking a 10 percent increase in attendance from last year. The event, which included a 5K run on Saturday and a half-marathon on Sunday, attracted runners from across the United States and Mexico. "This is one of the best marathons and half marathons in all of U.S.A.," said Carlos Corzo, a runner from Mexico…  Event organizers implemented a targeted marketing campaign in Mexico this year, resulting in at least 6,800 participants traveling from south of the border. "We are translating a lot of our material into Spanish so they are able to read and understand in their own native language," Keats McGonigal, senior vice president of the Rock 'n' Roll Running Series, said.

And, you know, if a “targeted marketing campaign” to increase participation in an event can be defined as a strategy that focuses marketing efforts on a specific group of people who share common characteristics, behaviors, or interests, you and I would do well to follow the example of Paul when it comes to evangelizing (inviting people to accept Christ as their Savior so they might attend the greatest event ever… the marriage supper of the Lamb). You see, although Paul never compromised the Message or sinned in order to relay the Good News, he did change the way that he shared the Gospel so as to present it in a way that each individual audience would understand and identify with it. In this way Paul became “all things to all men” that he “might by all means save some.” Paul willingly limited his own rights and freedoms to win souls… because leading the lost to Jesus was his greatest goal (second to growing in the knowledge of Christ) and should be ours as well. 

So, without compromising, look for common ground when sharing the Gospel with the lost my friend. Consider their customs, background, and current status as you lovingly share the undiluted, pure, and powerful message of Salvation, knowing that only those who have trusted Jesus as their Savior will inherit eternal life and be invited to sit at His table. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have a very important job to do everywhere we go. Help us to be considerate when we share the Good News Lord that, like Paul, we can meet them where they’re at without compromising the Message or watering it down. Help us to be bold yet loving as we plead for the lost to be reconciled back to God. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!