Washington Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

By Doug Bing, Washington Conference president

There is a very old Aesop fable that featured the sun and the wind arguing over who was stronger.

While they are in the midst of this argument, they saw a traveler walking on the road. The traveler was wrapped in a warm cloak. They agreed that whoever could strip the traveler of his cloak would be the stronger of the two.

The wind started to howl and blow at the traveler. However, with the first blast of wind the traveler wrapped the cloak tighter to guard against the wind. The harder the wind blew the tighter the cloak was held.

No matter how hard the wind tore at the cloak his efforts were in vain.

It was then the sun’s turn to try. The sun began to shine with a gentle warmth. Soon the traveler unbuttoned the cloak. The sun’s rays grew warmer and warmer, and the traveler took off his hat and mopped his brow and finally pulled the cloak off entirely.

The sun won the debate.

The strength of sharing the gospel is the warmth of the gospel. Yes, we have to use words. However, words may only be wind if there is no warmth behind them. With only wind, people can certainly wrap themselves tighter against what they are hearing.

When the warmth and words of the gospel are walking hand-in-hand, the good news of Jesus is so much more attractive.

Jesus shared very succinctly how we are to live each day.

When this is daily in our lives, the wind of our words as we share Jesus will be matched by the warmth of Him overflowing into the lives of those we are around each day.

Let the warmth of the gospel be ever present in your life.