James White Mr. Worldly Wiseman, Part 3

British politician Andrew Bennett once said, “The longest journey you will ever take is the 18 inches from your head to your heart.” It is a journey of utmost importance, not least of all to Christians.

As the Advent Movement was progressing and the allotted time of Christ’s second coming was drawing near, James White was in the thick of this journey. He had listened to many preach, had studied the Scriptures and prophecies and history associated with the movement, and had even attended two large camp meetings. He thoroughly believed that Christ would return soon. At this last camp meeting, he became impressed, more than ever, to share what he believed with as many as he could.

He lost no time in preparing his presentations and holding meetings in nearby towns. It was then that something clicked for him. He had, up to this point, loved the advent message personally; in his study of the Scriptures, the scholar within him had thrilled at the unfolding of the precise and exquisite prophecies of the Bible.

But it was not until now that his heart truly began to ache and burn for those hopeful, penitent souls who came to receive God’s promises. Before this, the message had been powerful to him; it had changed him. Now he saw that the message, God’s Word, had the power to do the same for every person sitting in that meeting hall. How much more precious were those Scriptures to him then!

He now understood the immense responsibility he had to these people. Many desired further guidance, but he, new to the faith himself, was incapable of providing for them. He contacted his brother, an able minister who also believed in the advent message, for help. About a month and a half later, his brother had shepherded and baptized those same people and had set up a church for them as well.

How different from the James White who first took up the mantle of preaching. His pride and contempt and surety in his own abilities—all had been laid in the dust. He now saw the world through the eyes of a converted man, a man who saw each person as a soul beloved in Jesus Christ.

Reflect: What is your motivation for ministry? Do you have the same love for others as Christ has for you?

Key Bible Texts

Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:8 KJV)