Tuesday, February 23, 2010

On Being a Humble Servant of Christ


I found this stimulating excerpt in an article by H.L. Richards, a friend of Hershey Free who serves Jesus Christ among Hindus. I think his thoughts are instructive for anyone who desires to share his faith in Christ.

"Friendship evangelism among Hindus needs to keep the emphasis on friendship. Hindus are very sensitive to Christian agendas to convert Hindus and 'win' their country to the Christian religion. The general Hindu perception is that Christians are pushy propogandists, and too much 'evangelistic' activity confirms this impression. A Hindu friend should be a true friend, and not a project to be dropped if 'unsuccessful.'...

The matter-of-factness of much Christian preaching and teaching is thus highly problematic in the Hindu world. The apostle Paul taught that 'the man who thinks he knows something does not yet know as he ought to know' (1 Cor. 8:2), and this is a verse that should always govern the heart of one who shares with Hindus. We do not possess God, he possesses us. We can perhaps say that we know God, but it is much more true to emphasize that he knows us (Gal. 4:9)...

"The humble servant of Christ (which should be the only referent for 'Christian'!) will not stumble in these areas. Doors of friendship will open with Hindus when followers of Christ reach across perceived boundaries and establish friendship."
-- from "Good News for Hindus in the Neighborhood", Rethinking Forum

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