MH page 213

These men are in need of the gospel. They need to have their eyes turned from the vanity of material things to behold the preciousness of the enduring riches. They need to learn the joy of giving, the blessedness of being co-workers with God.

The wealthy require spiritual ministry to redirect their focus from material to eternal values. This focuses entirely on the religious duty of sharing the gospel with wealthy individuals.

The Lord bids us, “Charge them that are rich in this world” that they trust not “in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” 1 Timothy 6:17-19 .

Scripture instructs the rich to place their trust in God and to be generous with their wealth. The paragraph consists of biblical quotations directing ethical and spiritual behavior among the wealthy.

It is by no casual, accidental touch that wealthy, world-loving, world-worshiping souls can be drawn to Christ. These persons are often the most difficult of access. Personal effort must be put forth for them by men and women imbued with the missionary spirit, those who will not fail or be discouraged.

Reaching world-loving individuals requires deliberate, persistent, and Spirit-empowered personal effort. This is a statement regarding missionary methodology and persistence in ministry.

Some are especially fitted to work for the higher classes. These should seek wisdom from God to know how to reach these persons, to have not 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.

Workers dedicated to reaching higher classes should seek divine wisdom and active personal engagement. The focus is on practical advice for Christian workers engaging with specific social demographics.

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 edifices, expensive dress, equipage, 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.

Reaching the wealthy classes requires a consistent, unselfish presentation of the gospel rather than conformity to worldly luxury or artificial polish. This paragraph provides ministerial instruction on how to approach wealthier demographics, focusing on spiritual authenticity rather than worldly display.