My Neighbors Are Not Interested by E. M. Graham

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 15, 1914

"My Neighbors Are Not Interested"

By E. M. Graham

Frequently when presenting some plan whereby the members of a church may labor for those living around them, we are met with this objection, "My neighbors are not interested in this truth. I cannot get them to listen or to read."

The objection is not unfounded. The neighbors really do not manifest any disposition to investigate the truth. But shall we therefore cease to labor for them, or shall we devise ways whereby we may create an interest?

At one of our camp-meetings recently a man told the whole secret of the matter. He said he had argued with his neighbors about the truth until they were all so angry they would not listen any more. He realized he had made a mistake, and he was going home to love them.

What we need in our work now is genuine Christlike love for our neighbors. "Those who have long known the truth need to seek the Lord most earnestly, that their hearts may be filled with a determination to work for their neighbors. My brethren and sisters, visit those who live near you, and by sympathy and kindness seek to reach their hearts. Be sure to work in a way that will remove prejudice instead of creating it. And remember that those who know the truth for this time and yet confine their efforts to their own churches, refusing to work for their unconverted neighbors, will be called to account for unfulfilled duties."—Testimonies for the Church, Vol. IX, pages 34, 35.*

In what way can we work that will remove prejudice instead of creating it? If we study the Saviour's method of working, we shall see that he gave attention to two things,—to commending something good in the person, and to starting with some subject in which the person was interested.

As an illustration of the first point, we note Christ's commendation of Nathanael: "Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!" John 1: 47. On the second point, we notice that Christ started his conversation with the woman of Samaria by asking her for a drink, she being just then interested in the drawing of water; that he gave a miraculous draft of fishes to men whose minds were on fishing; and that from these things he led their thoughts to spiritual matters.

We should, therefore, get acquainted with our neighbors, and show them by our actions that we love them. If there is sickness in their homes, we should see what help we can give. At times when they are unusually busy, we may lend a hand. We should learn the things in which they are especially interested, and if they are worthy objects, be interested in them, too, and through them lead to other things. We should be always ready to speak a word of commendation of their methods of work, plans, etc., when we can truthfully do so. There is always something that can be commended, if we watch for it. This does not mean that we should flatter. Our commendation should be truthful and heartfelt, growing out of a spirit of love that looks for things to approve rather than things to censure.

But these things take time, and we are so busy. Our Lord has the first claim on our time, and we should so plan our work that we may have some time to devote to the saving of souls. One mother with several children enlists them in service. She teaches them to assist in the housework, and the time thus saved to herself she spends in helping her neighbors. She tells the children she wants them to do as much of the housework as they can, that she may have time to teach the neighbors the truth, and they enter into the plan heartily, realizing that they, too, are helping to save souls.

If we thus cultivate our neighbors, showing that we do truly love them; and if we show by our lives that we are followers of Jesus, we shall find ways of introducing the truth that will interest them. They will begin to ask us questions as their curiosity is aroused to learn more of the religion that makes us so unlike others. Then we can lend them tracts, papers, and books, and hold Bible readings with them. Love is the key that will unlock the doors of the neighbors' hearts which are now closed to us.

E. M. GRAHAM.