112. With True Dignity

Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 215, 216.

As their minds are thus drawn away from their own selfish interests, many will surrender themselves to Christ.

Today we look at presenting “stewardship” to the rich

Yesterday we learned,

• Let them keep doing all the business and charitable things they already do. They can do a better job of running their business than we can.
• Ask just for the money they now waste on intemperate vices.

How do we do that?

• Simply present the gospel i.e. present the self-sacrificing love of Christ, as seen on the cross.
• Bear yourself with dignity
• Remember angels are our companions.
• Memorise Scripture especially the words of Christ to the rich
• Do your duty bravely and faithfully
• Make it plain, “God expects you to relieve suffering humanity.” (i.e. stewardship)

The work is difficult but remember Matthew 19:26; with God all things, even the salvation of the rich, are possible. Miracles will occur, the greatest of men will be reached.

God will convert men who occupy responsible places, men of intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, many will be led to accept the divine principles.

First they give their time and money to help us relieve the poor. Then, they will be drawn to Christ and converted.

Once converted, they will use their influence work for other rich people.

This is important, first step is working alongside us for the poor. Second step is them reaching the rich.

So we end this section with the great, Christ-uplifting promise,

Only eternity will reveal what has been accomplished by this kind of ministry — how many souls, sick with doubt and tired of worldliness and unrest, have been brought to the great Restorer, who longs to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him. Christ is a risen Saviour, and there is healing in His wings.

111. Enduring Riches

Today’s reading: “The Ministry of Healing” pp. 213, 214.
That which will reach them effectually is a consistent, unselfish presentation of the gospel of Christ. Today we find out why “temperance” and “stewardship” are the central pillars of ministry to the rich. Today the emphasis is on “temperance”.

Key Words

• Needs
• (Temperance) even though it is not mentioned.

First, you won’t get anything out of this unless you have read yesterday’s post. Check the sequence for medical missionary work; i.e. start with the instructing and healing the tempted, the intemperate, unemployed, homeless and the poor, then minister to the rich.
Second, realise that most of our society, most of our neighbours, are in the class of being “rich”.
Temperance is self-control. People without self-control don’t become rich, at least not for long. So the rich have got most areas of their life well under control. Or so some of them think.
So what is their need? To learn the “joy of giving”.

How not to reach the rich

• Get to know them accidentally, casually
• Expensive, logic-based programmes
• Ask for money

How to reach the rich with temperance

• Deliberate, business-like, personal meetings with them where we,
• Show them the the results of harmful indulgences on body mind and soul (p. 211),
• Present the gospel in a simple, consistent, unselfish manner, through stories of our work for the needy,
• Present Christ as the Saviour of sinners, through stories of our work for the needy,
• Emphasise how they can feel the joy of giving, i.e.
• Ask them to be temperate
• Ask them for the money they would otherwise spend on things that destroy their own heal, their peace of mind or their character. (To do this would require self-control)
• Follow-up and show them (“consistent gospel” means we follow-up) where we spent their money.

Remember “To such an appeal not many would refuse to listen.” p. 211.
Tomorrow we will look at idea of “stewardship” in ministry to the rich.