To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. (1 Cor. 9:20)


ONE JEWISH MISSIONARY’S STORY captures the idea of our verse today. Since she spent most of her free time only with fellow believers, she thought, “I am trained as a flute player and also enjoy singing. How can I use those things to help me connect with Jewish people?” As she prayed, opportunities opened up. She played flute for a musical at her parents’ retirement center. (Her parents were not yet believers.) That led to playing flute and singing for a Jewish women’s organization choir.

She had many conversations with the people she met. Most went like this: “What do you do for a living?”

“You don’t want to know,” she would say.

“What? Are you in the CIA or something?”

“No, nothing like that. But if I tell you, you won’t like it.”

“To each their own. Just tell me already!”

“I am Jewish and believe in Jesus as the Jewish Messiah.”

Most were surprised. Some didn’t want to talk to her anymore, but others wanted to know more. She got to share her story and make connections. She felt that none of this would have happened if she had not decided to go undercover and spend her free time with unbelievers, doing what she loves—music and ministry. How many unbelievers could be won if more of us chose to intentionally spend time with them?

Find a way to spend some free time with an unbeliever today.

Susan Browning Schulz is a Bible teacher, wife, and mom of three grown children. She lives and plays on the Etowah River in Georgia and loves leading her small group.