The Ministry of Health and Healing

Working for the Higher Classes

Some are especially fitted to work for the higher classes. These should seek wisdom from God to know how to reach these persons, not to have merely a casual acquaintance with them, but by personal effort and living faith to awaken them to the needs of the soul, to lead them to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. MHH 115.1

Many suppose that in order to reach the higher classes, a manner of life and method of work must be adopted that will be suited to their fastidious tastes. An appearance of wealth, costly buildings, stylish dress, expensive cars and surroundings, conformity to worldly customs, the artificial polish of fashionable society, classical culture, the graces of oratory are thought to be essential. This is an error. The way of worldly policy is not God’s way of reaching the higher classes. That which will reach them effectually is a consistent, unselfish presentation of the gospel of Christ. MHH 115.2

The experience of the apostle Paul in meeting the philosophers of Athens has a lesson for us. In presenting the gospel before the court of the Areopagus, Paul met logic with logic, science with science, philosophy with philosophy. The wisest of his hearers were astonished and silenced. His words could not be controverted. But the effort bore little fruit. Few were led to accept the gospel. Henceforth Paul adopted a different method of work. He avoided elaborate arguments and discussion of theories, and in simplicity pointed men and women to Christ as the Savior of sinners. MHH 115.3

Writing to the Corinthians of his work among them, he said: “I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. ... My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:1-5. MHH 115.4

Again, in his letter to the Romans, he says: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:16. MHH 115.5

Let those who work for the higher classes bear themselves with true dignity, remembering that angels are their companions. Let them keep the treasure house of mind and heart filled with “It is written.” Hang in memory’s hall the precious words of Christ. They are to be valued far above gold or silver. MHH 115.6

Christ said that it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for the rich to enter the kingdom of God. In the work for this class many discouragements will be presented, many heartsickening revelations will be made. But all things are possible with God. He can and will work through human agencies upon the minds of people whose lives have been devoted to money getting. MHH 115.7

There are miracles to be wrought in genuine conversion, miracles that are not now discerned. The greatest men and women of the earth are not beyond the power of a wonder-working God. If those who are workers together with Him will do their duty bravely and faithfully, God will convert people who occupy responsible places, persons of intellect and influence. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, many will be led to accept the divine principles. MHH 116.1

When it is made plain to them that the Lord expects them as His representatives to relieve suffering humanity, many will respond and will give of their means and their sympathies for the benefit of the poor. As their minds are thus drawn away from their selfish interests, many will surrender themselves to Christ. With their talents of influence and means they will gladly unite in the work of beneficence with the humble missionary who was God’s agent in their conversion. By a right use of their earthly treasures they will lay up for themselves “treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.” MHH 116.2

When converted to Christ, many will become agents in the hand of God to work for others of their own class. They will feel that the gospel has been committed to them so that they can give it to those who have made this world their all. Time and money will be consecrated to God, talent and influence will be devoted to the work of winning souls to Christ. MHH 116.3

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 who come to Him. Christ is a risen Savior, and there is healing in His wings. MHH 116.4