I recently attended a large convention of missionaries. The main evening messages concerned helping others in need. That in itself was fine, but the means did not conclude at the end. I heard of a man who moved his family to a slum of Bangladesh, of a Doctor remaining in Africa to help the poor, and a director of a mission sending organization speak of benevolence to the poor. All these acts were fine and may have been greatly helpful to the people they served.
My concern is that redemption wasn’t primary. Jesus shed His blood to gain forgiveness of sins for all who place faith in Him. His mission was to enter humanity, reveal His origin, show God’s favor, and die for mankind. He gained a hearing to achieve much of his purpose by showing God’s loving kindness. Jesus healed, feed, and raised the dead. Yet, it was His message that offered life (John 6:68-69).
To be humanitarian (benevolent) without a message of redemption is to be humanitarian. I’m happy people of the world forms clubs and other organizations to met the physical and emotional needs of the poor and hurting. At least those who experience help may enjoy more quality of life on earth.
The real issue is, does the witness/testimony of God’s love lead to the reason Christ came to a world of lost sinners? Benevolence without message is philanthropy. Lovingly Caring for the needs of people to earn an ear for the Gospel is Christian. The former may give temporary quality. The latter offers eternal quality.
Our commission is to Go preach, baptize, and teach. Loving people as we Go is readily seen in Scripture. Paul went, he may have healed, but he always preached, baptized and taught.
The other issue here is missionaries remaining on a mission field for years before preaching. Paul didn’t wait for years before preaching. He trusted the active and living Word of God and the Spirit of God to work. Not to say we shouldn’t make and gain relationships, but we may have some very lazy missionaries who fear rejection and fail to have the courage to speak. Remember, Paul was also persecuted for his preaching.
Lets preach the Gospel. If you are blessed of God to do much benevolence do it. Show God’s love however you can, but mostly by preaching the message of Love (John 3:16).
As for the waiting before preaching. The only thing that I can see is if there is no translator and the language of that particular people is unknown. However, even then, Acts 2 shows that the Holy Spirit has the power to have everyone hear in his own tongue a message that is said in one language. Also, with how the world has progressed, the majority of people know a couple of languages. Aside from that, who says that preaching can’t be done with actions and images rather than just words. Maybe it’s better that we use nature in some cultures to point to Christ as we learn their language so that we can more effectively explain the Gospel to them. Just a thought I had while reading that.
JB, I agree we must make attempts to communicate in whatever manner we can. Using illustrations from creation and Godly character will certainly be an advantage until and beyond the time their language can be utilized. Yet,”faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ”(Rom. 10:17 – NASU. The preaching/presentation of the Gospel is necessary for salvation (by sign language, voice, translation, or braille, etc.)- Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18. *Thanks for reading my meager attempts to be thought provoking.
Poverty is the big “catch word” in Christian circles right now—hence the large movement of conservative Christians becoming liberal democrats. It’s two things IMO: (1) a reaction to the modern church program doing very little to address the issues in and around poverty; (2)the fact that Jesus said more about poverty than He did about any of the modern Conservative Idiologies. In other words, Jesus said nothing about (1) abortion; and (2) homosexuality (although Jesus did speak up in support of the God-ordained model for marriage). Unfortuantely too many people just look at the Red Letters and not at the whole scope of Scripture. Likewise, history has not proven that the Democrats plan (redistribution of wealth) for alleviating poverty will work at all (I think it will entrench more and more people into poverty). BUT, it’s the “in-thing” to talk about and do in the cutting-edge ministry circles. At least some who are poor are being helped. I agree with you–if it isn’t accompanied by the preaching of the Gospel then we have missed the point all togethher.