Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To 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. 21To 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. 22To 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. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings. (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

My dad and uncles used to tell the story of Reverend James Milbrath, an imposing man in their memories. Milbrath spent his time serving God in many ways. Coming to homes on Sundays and in the evenings, driving from town to town to preach, and spending time hitting the hangouts where young men would be to make sure they weren't up to "no good." My favorite story was from my Uncle Harold who ended up fighting under Gen. George Patton in the war in the Battle of the Bulge.

He remembered Milbrath coming into the bowling alley, seeing Harold playing pinball, having just inserted the change necessary at that time to play, and walking up to Harold to remind him games like that came from Satan. He stood there while Harold let the game lapse which was probably good training for a man not far in life from going to fight in a war under a tougher-than-nails general.

In order to be a man of God in that era required a pastor to be visible in all locations and to know his parishioners intimately. Many home visits (timed just as the coffee cake was coming out of the oven). Today hasn't changed, only the circumstances. As men of God seeking to share God's Word, we have to meet people where they are.

Men (and women) are all over the globe from their chairs on the world-wide-web. Our minds are everywhere all at once, yet the devices that could potentially liberate us tie us down to focus on what's in front of us. A pastor and men of God trying to find ways to navigate in this universe to share God's Word which frees us from the bondage of sin unfortunately have to dive into this world much like Milbrath drove the country roads in Southern Minnesota weaving from farm house to small town bowling alleys.

Our attention is captive to an abundance of stuff these days, but the Word of God is still relevant. How do we seek and share it now? By becoming like Paul and like Rev Milbrath.* Passionate about its relevance and meaning in our own lives, we find ways to share it in our own way by making meaningful relationships with people we come into contact with routinely - at the store, at the restaurant, at work, at school, our neighbors in our community - you get the idea. God will use us to find a way into a man's heart and to give them faith through meaningful conversations.

Pray with me: Gracious God, I thank you for finding men in my life, and women, who took the time to create friendships and mentor me to faith and grow in faith. Help me be the same in my time here on earth. In Christ's name, Amen.

p.s. Rev Milbrath died one Sunday in between congregations as he was out on Sunday circuit, preaching from town-to-town. My dad and uncles recalled learning of his death and saying, "He was probably not concentrating on the road, but on what he was going to say in the next town."