2 Corinthians 12:11 I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me:

Tactics in a military campaign only means that if what you are doing doesn’t work, try something else. You know what the end goal is to be accomplished and if the enemy isn’t responding, find something that will work.

Perhaps it would be helpful to understand what Paul meant by glorying. In the opening verses of chapter twelve Paul makes reference to an experience that is unique. Not many, if any, can relate to this experience. He even plays it off by saying, “I knew a man”, verse 2. I am sure Paul is talking about himself, but for the sake of his audience, he gives credit to a character of unknown qualifications.

“One caught up into the third heaven” Paul continues. In verse 5 Paul says “Of such an one will I glory”. Even though this is Paul’s second letter to the people of Corinth, they are still not ready to hear and receive a deeper truth about Christ abilities to will and do above what man can imagine. Seeing is believing. They compelled Paul by not growing in faith and not being ready to receive the deeper things of God.

Verse 10, Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.

Paul found it necessary to be less than all he is in Christ for Christ’s sake. These were believers in Christ, members of the body of Christ. Paul had to change tactics in presenting all the possibilities which are in Christ and available to them, because they were not yet mature enough to move on to greater things.

I call this knowing your audience. As I fellowship with members of the body I gain confidence in who you are in Christ. If you have a level of maturity which can receive deeper things, we can share in the glory which is Christ in us. If not, I have to hold back. Not because you are unworthy, but because you are not ready.

Being a fool for Christ is OK, if that is what it takes.