For the most part I agree but then I hear these words echoing in my mind...
"For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 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. Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you." 1 Corinthians 9:19-23
Most definitely, that was the passage I was thinking about also. Paul took on different 'forms', but never strayed from the truth. He did not do this to attract people, but rather to be able to reach them - understand their thoughts and get on their level to teach.
I think the best example we see of this is when he was in Athens. (Acts 17)
He saw all the idols around him and was moved to reach them. Here is where we see how he did this without compromise in either direction. He could have went around throwing down the idols, telling them they were all stupid and going to hell. He could have beat his Scripture scroll in his hand and taught that they were wretched idolaters - this would have been true in a way.
He could have also went the other direction - telling them its ok to keep all these around, but there is a better one they are leaving out. He could have told them it was fine to worship the others, but they should consider another one in case they really need help because He is actually real - again, true in a way.
Instead, he meets them on their level, using the altar to the 'unknown' god as a intro. He does not bash them over the head for believing what they do, and he doesn't tell them that what they do believe is ok - he tells them the pure truth - that there is a God - He is not, and cannot be made with human hands - and He wants them to come to Him. Simple.
Many fellowships today are either closed off to the world, or they are so 'attractive' they bring in the worlds idols to attract people. They are focused on themselves, not Christ. Somewhere along the way the faith has been twisted to believe that God does not actually work, Himself, in the individual life of the unbeliever - drawing them to Himself. He uses us for that task, but that does not mean He does not personally draw them.
When we try to 'attract' people we are subverting the power of God in bringing people in. The Christian faith, the Gospel, was never meant to be attractive. It was, and still is, very much offensive.
