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Melinda Gates makes a compelling case for aspirational change. How can we present our message in such a way that people become “thirsty” for what we have to offer? People should never use manipulation or guilt as a tactic to get people to repent and convert. Rather, through the power of the Holy Spirit, and through the joy that’s spilling out from within our own hearts, our role is to be the “salt” and the “flavor” that makes people thirsty and hungry for God.
Unconventional Methods
We have the writings of Ellen White that provide us with insight and guidance, and this is a great advantage. But we should not be afraid to learn from any and every other source (whether they be secular or religious) with regards to how we can improve our mission performance. White herself said that the end times will require that we try unconventional methods to spread our message and accomplish our tasks.
“In the cities of today, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary efforts. Ministers of God’s appointment will find it necessary to put forth extraordinary efforts in order to arrest the attention of the multitudes. And when they succeed in bringing together a large number of people, they must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned. They must make use of every means that can possibly be devised for causing the truth to stand out clearly and distinctly.–Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 109. (1909) (Ev 122)
“Workers with clear minds are needed to devise methods for reaching the people. Something must be done to break down the prejudice existing in the world against the truth.–Letter152, 1901. (Ev 129)”
I recently read this quote in my devotional time:
“The man who makes no mistakes lacks boldness and the spirit of adventure. He never tries anything new. He is a brake on the wheels of progress.” –M. W. Larmour
Sometimes it’s better to be sorry than safe. It’s better to have tried and “failed” than to have not tried at all.
Watch the TED Talk with Melinda Gates.
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