At a convergence of disciple-makers I attended, the speaker remarked, “The problem with us Seventh-day Adventists is that we are so friendly among ourselves.” This elicited a roll of laughter from the crowd composed mostly of young professionals. I let out a chuckle, amused at the accuracy of the statement. In my 27 years as a pastor and an officer as such, I have always been aware of how we as a corporate church tend to be exclusive. But that was the first time I heard it said so bluntly. On the surface, it was funny, but as the weight of the statement sank in, it felt like a ball on my chest. It was difficult to swallow. I couldn’t simply brush it off. I know full well that as individuals and as a church called to witness, we can and should do better than that.
How can we witness if we feel like we’re off better than be with those we consider the Gentiles and tax collectors? How can we witness, when we are so secure in our own circles with those people who think, behave, and talk like us? How can we bear witness if we are so quick to pass on judgments and dismiss them as no good? How can we witness if we are satisfied with sharing just a piece of a book instead of sharing a piece of our lives?
SEEING BEYOND WHAT IS TO WHAT CAN BE
Jesus saw everyone as candidates for heaven. He saw people not as they were but as who they could become. He saw Saul not as an impassioned persecutor of the followers of Christ but as a devout champion of the gospel. He saw Peter not as a rash and hasty fisherman but as a rocklike tower, a central pillar of the early church. He saw past the poor reputation of the woman at the well; saw her not as an outcast but as someone whose heart was ready to accept and share the Living Water.
Ellen White says, “Those who have the Spirit of Christ will see all men (and women) through the eyes of divine compassion (ST, June 20, 1892). “Jesus came in personal contact with men (and women). He did not stand aloof and apart from those who needed His help. He entered the homes of men (and women), comforted the mourner, healed the sick, aroused the careless, and went about doing good. And if we follow in the footsteps of Jesus, we must do as He did. We must give men (and women) the same kind of help that He did” (ML 227.4).
Jesus was a friend to anyone who was willing to accept Him. He related with non-Jews in as much as He mingled with His own. He was not disheartened by the unpleasant exterior, or caught up with the flaws.
Whether they were Jew or Gentile, rich or poor, educated or not – demon-possessed lunatics, a centurion, a thief on the cross, Jesus invested in them. He took time with them. Not because He saw them as projects to add to the growing baptism report of the church – but because He genuinely cared for and loved these individuals who too were candidates for the kingdom of God. He had a faithful regard for the one-soul audience.
CHRIST’S METHOD
In an often-quoted but seldom-practiced passage, Ellen White outlined in a particular order, Christ witnessing formula. She said, “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (MH, 143).
Notice that Jesus did not separate the social aspect from the invitation to follow Him. In fact, the first thing He did was open networks and forge attachments. After all, we cannot truly minister from a distance.
When the invitation is made, whether they decide to embrace our faith or otherwise, we remain their friends.
Living as a witness for Him goes beyond mere religious ritual here and there. It begins with building genuine connections with those around you. It is getting to know them and being known by them. It is telling them our story about who God is and what He has done and is doing in our lives. It’s listening to their own personal stories. It is sharing and caring with unselfish love. Put simply, it’s being a friend in the truest sense of the word.
President, North Philippine Union Conference