Guarding Proper Approaches
Jesus Studied Natural Train of Thought—The beneficent oper-
ations of nature are not accomplished by abrupt and startling interpo-
sitions; men are not permitted to take her work into their own hands.
God works through the calm, regular operation of His appointed laws.
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So it is in spiritual things. Satan is constantly seeking to produce
effects by rude and violent thrusts; but Jesus found access to minds by
the pathway of their most familiar associations. He disturbed as little
as possible their accustomed train of thought, by abrupt actions or pre-
scribed rules. He honored man with His confidence, and thus placed
him on his honor. He introduced old truths in a new and precious light.
Thus, when only twelve years old, He astonished the doctors of the
law by His questions in the temple.
Jesus assumed humanity, that He might meet humanity. He brings
men under the transforming power of truth by meeting them where they
are. He gains access to the heart by securing sympathy and confidence,
making all feel that His identification with their nature and interest is
complete. The truth came from His lips beautiful in its simplicity, yet
clothed with dignity and power. What a teacher was our Lord Jesus
Christ! How tenderly did He treat every honest enquirer after truth,
that He might gain admission to the sympathies, and find a home in
the heart.—
Manuscript 44, 1894
.
Results Determined by Approaches—We are to stand in this
world as though there were all around us the purchase of the blood
of Christ, and as though it depended very much upon our words,
deportment, and manner of labor, whether these souls shall be saved or
not.... It depends very much on the way we take hold to labor whether
we shall have souls as the result of our efforts.—
Manuscript 14, 1887
.
Sound Methods for Meeting Prejudice—Brethren, you who go
forth to labor for those who are bound in chains of prejudice and igno-
rance, need to exercise the same divine wisdom that Paul manifested.
When you are laboring in a place where souls are just beginning to get
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the scales from their eyes, and to see men as trees walking, be very
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