Thirdly. It is necessary, in our intercourse with the Hindoos, that, as far as we are able, we abstain from those things which would increase their prejudices against the Gospel. Those parts of English manners which are most offensive to them should be kept out of sight as much as possible.
We should also avoid every degree of cruelty to animals. Nor is it advisable at once to attack their prejudices by exhibiting with acrimony the sins of their gods; neither should we upon any account do violence to their images, nor interrupt their worship.
The real conquests of the Gospel are those of love: "And I, if I be lifted up, will draw all men unto me." In this respect, let us be continually fearful lest one unguarded word, or one unnecessary display of the difference betwixt us, in manners, etc., should set the natives at a greater distance from us.
Paul's readiness to become all things to all men, that he might by any means save some, and his disposition to abstain even from necessary comforts that he might not offend the weak, are circumstances worthy of our particular notice. This line of conduct we may be sure was founded on the wisest principles.
Placed amidst a people very much like the hearers of the Apostle, in many respects, we may now perceive the solid wisdom which guided him as a Missionary. The mild manners of the Moravians, and also of the Quakers towards the North American Indians, have, in many instances, gained the affections and confidence of heathens in a wonderful manner.
He who is too proud to stoop to others, in order to draw them to him, though he may know that they are in many respects inferior to himself, is ill qualified to become a Missionary. The words of a most successful preacher of the Gospel still living, "that he would not care if the people trampled him under their feet, if he might become useful to their souls," are expressive of the very temper we should always cultivate.
What wonderful advice for every soul winner and especially for those that would be committed to cross cultural evangelism! We need to be careful not to do anything that would make the lost dislike even more the gospel message of Jesus Christ. We need to be careful what words we choose to use and what actions we would have.
They were careful to watch their love for animals--based on religion or whatever and not violate that love. They would not go against their gods, their religious services or any other thing. Though they disagreed they did not think that by attacking the false god or making known what they were against was the right way to win people. Often we are more interested in telling people more about what we are against than what we are for!
God will use your expressions of love towards others to draw them. Show them that you care and reach out to them.
Let's lift up Christ. Let's pay whatever price is necessary to tell them of what God through Jesus Christ has done to purchase their salvation. Let us never be too proud to stoop to others in order to draw them to Him.
Vision News
3 comments:
"Often we are more interested in telling people more about what we are against than what we are for!"
As one of my mentors used to say,"If we are not careful pride will creep in, in the form of being proud of what we do and proud of what we don't do, proud of where we go and proud of where we don't go, proud of who we hang out with and proud of who we don't hang out with." I think he was right.
After much study in the Word, I have found that we receive reward for the things we do and not the things we don't do. We spend so much time, actually waste so much time on the things we are against, that we never take the opportunity to tell folks what we are for, JESUS.
Thank you again for all of your wonderful posts. I have been blessed and challenged by them all.
I think we would do well to take make the same resolve these men did. it is amazing how conscientious they were to make sure they did all in their power to reach the lost. We would do well to follow their example.
Thank you Shane and Travis for your comments. I hope that these posts are a blessing to far more people than just you. I am very impressed with the wisdom that God gave these men many, many years ago. I know that we desire to be used of God to get the gospel to the world and that we have much to learn every day. I am 53 years old and that sure seems like old to have just recently read this article. I am glad you are getting it a lot earlier than I did.
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