The Ministry of Health and Healing

Chapter 14—Ministry to the Rich

Cornelius, the Roman centurion, was a man of wealth and noble birth. His position was one of trust and honor. Though a heathen by birth, training, and education, through contact with the Jews he had gained a knowledge of the true God, and he worshiped Him, showing the sincerity of his faith by compassion to the poor. He gave “alms generously to the people, and prayed to God always.” Acts 10:2. MHH 112.1

But Cornelius had no knowledge of the gospel as revealed in the life and death of Christ. So God sent a message direct from heaven to him and also directed the apostle Peter to visit and instruct him. Cornelius was not united with the Jewish church and would have been looked upon by the rabbis as a heathen and unclean. But God read the sincerity of his heart and sent messengers from His throne to unite with His servant on earth in teaching the gospel to this officer of Rome. MHH 112.2

So today God is seeking for souls among the high as well as the low. There are many like Cornelius, men and women whom He desires to connect with His church. Their sympathies are with the Lord’s people. But the ties that bind them to the world hold them firmly. It requires moral courage for these people to take their position with the lowly ones. Special effort should be made for these souls who are in so great danger because of their responsibilities and associations. MHH 112.3

Much is said concerning our duty to the neglected poor, but should not some attention be given to the neglected rich? Many look upon this class as hopeless, and they do little to open the eyes of those who, blinded and dazed by the glitter of earthly glory, have left eternity out of their reckoning. Thousands of wealthy people have gone to their graves unwarned. But indifferent as they may appear, many among the rich are soul-burdened. “He who loves silver will not be satisfied with silver; nor he who loves abundance, with increase.” He that says to fine gold, ““‘You are my confidence,”’” has “‘denied God who is above.’” “None of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him—for the redemption of their souls is costly, and it shall cease forever.” Ecclesiastes 5:10; Job 31:24, 28; Psalm 49:7, 8. MHH 112.4

Riches and worldly honor cannot satisfy the soul. Many among the rich are longing for some divine assurance, some spiritual hope. Many long for something that will bring to an end the monotony of their aimless lives. Many in official life feel their need of something that they do not have. Few among them go to church, for they feel that they receive little benefit. The teaching they hear does not touch the heart. Shall we make no personal appeal to them? MHH 113.1

Among the victims of want and sin are some who were once in possession of wealth. Men and women of different vocations and different stations in life have been overcome by the pollutions of the world, by the use of strong drink, by the indulgence of lust and have fallen under temptation. While these fallen ones demand pity and help, should not some attention be given to those who have not yet descended to these depths but who are setting their feet in the same path? MHH 113.2

Thousands in positions of trust and honor are indulging habits that mean ruin to soul and body. Ministers of the gospel, statesmen, authors, men and women of wealth and talent, people of vast business capacity and power for usefulness, are in deadly peril because they do not see the necessity of self-control in all things. They need to have their attention called to the principles of temperance, not in a narrow or arbitrary way, but in the light of God’s great purpose for humanity. If the principles of true temperance were brought before them, very many of the higher classes would recognize their value and give them a hearty acceptance. MHH 113.3

Show these persons the result of harmful indulgences in lessening physical, mental, and moral power. Help them to realize their responsibility as stewards of God’s gifts. Show them the good they could do with the money they now spend for that which does them only harm. Urge them to stop using liquor, tobacco, and similar products, and ask that the money they would otherwise spend for these indulgences be devoted to relief of the sick poor or for the training of children and youth for usefulness in the world. Many would respond to such an appeal. MHH 113.4