Seasons

"I have become all things to all men..." 1 Corinthians 9:22

I can't help but feel drawn to this verse. I wake up every morning, tossing it around in my mind simply trying my best to understand it and apply it to my life. What Paul was given to write has really struck a chord deep within my soul, and in these moments where I feel besides myself, there is no greater comfort than Truth.

A tree's roots descend far below the surface, and extend further than those standing on the outside really know.  Giving the tree humanistic qualities, only it can know the miles stretched by it's roots- what they come in contact with, the areas that have directed its roots in one direction or another. All of this lives deep beneath the surface of what is shared with the world, and as long as the tree is receiving the necessary nutrients, it will continue to grow and, well... branch out.

Above the surface, we can see a tall, sturdy tree adorned with leaves, and of course the little birds that make the tree it's home. But lets focus on the leaves. The leaves look different from season to season, depending on which end of the season spectrum we're in. But the point I'm trying to get at is that the leaves change based on the circumstances, based on the season.

The leaves change, the roots stay the same.

I think there's a lot to learn from this picture/analogy God has given me, and I'm still sorting through it all. A tree does what it has to do to outwardly fit in to it's surroundings, meanwhile, what goes on beneath continues growing. I guess this is how I can best describe where I'm at right now.

I am firmly rooted in Christ and nothing can sway me of that, of this I am sure. However, as Paul writes, I must become all things to all men. Now, I don't believe this to mean that it's ok to engage in deliberate sinful activities simply because thats what the rest of Rome is doing. Rather, I think it's saying to follow suit with those around you, as long as it is not compromising your roots.

Maybe a personal example will help.
Buenos Aires is very much a party culture, and the very opposite of what I'm used to. However, I would be wasting too many opportunities should I choose to stick to how I'm used to things and stay home. I would be missing opportunities to speak with so many different people and engaging in friendships that otherwise wouldn't exist. I would be ignoring Christ's call on my life.  So, I have to adapt to my surroundings. I'm not adapting my roots, I'm only changing my leaves to fit the season.

Regardless of the color of a tree's leaves, you can (almost) always tell what family of trees it belongs to. The genetic make up shines through. Regardless of the seasonal appearance of my leaves, it is my deepest hope and prayer that my identity in Christ is evident.

Who knows where I will be in the coming months, who knows what type of season it will be. As my journeys continue, my roots will continue to form and grow stronger. I allow my leaves to change for the good and the sake of those around me in efforts to become all things to all men for the good of God's kingdom.

I'm not adapting my roots, I'm only changing my leaves to fit the season.