I have noticed there are some people who just don’t seem to be at peace with the existence of a self-supporting institution like Hartland. In spite of the fact that there are thousands of people who are rejoicing today in the three angels’ messages directly because of the ministry of Hartland. Despite the proven ability of Hartland graduates to win souls and fulfill many other practical purposes in God’s work and despite the fact that Hartland has held high the banner of present truth and God’s principles for over 20 years, there are still those who don’t like Hartland at all. Have you ever wondered why? Could it be because of what we stand for? Could it be because of what we believe?
See if any of the following deeply held beliefs apply to you:
The Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are fully inspired. If God said it, we believe it. That may sound simplistic to a theologian teaching at a seminary. But who is wise enough to decide which parts are inspired and which ones are not? Certainly not the theologians, nor anyone else.
God’s blueprint for education is more relevant today than when it was written (though more difficult to implement). The amazing thing is that Hartland College has successfully demonstrated it for 20 years, which may make some very uneasy about the implications for their own schools.
The voice of authority in all our work is the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy, not the church manual. This is particularly galling to some ecclesiastics. Yet it is vital. The higher the church manual is regarded, the lower the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy are respected.
Spiritual accountability issues within the church must be addressed (not just financial ones). Many today are overthrowing the old landmarks. Addressing these issues is seen by some as disloyalty. But really it is the highest form of loyalty. Is a mother disloyal to her small child when she warns him from putting his hand on the hot stove?
This is not about Hartland. It’s about you! If you are reading this, you are likely a friend of Hartland. You may well be facing some negative attitudes toward you because of your support for Hartland or, more importantly, because of your support for the truth. Analyze why! Jesus never promised that you wouldn’t get tarred with the same brush that tars Hartland. If you stand for the truth, you should expect that some will despise you, and even mistreat you, for that is what Jesus promised (See Luke 6:22, 23). But what should you do?
First, rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in heaven. Plan on being misunderstood and mistreated. It’ll help reduce the pain when it happens (Matt. 5:12, see also Luke 6:22, 23).
Second, pray for them that despitefully use you (Matt. 5:44).
Third, study your Bible and look for similar situations in scripture stories. These will give you great courage. On my second time through Desire of Ages, I find the parallels in Jesus’ life to faithful people today are truly amazing. He always managed to get Himself into trouble with church leaders and some fellow believers.
Fourth, treat all your “opponents” with kindness, helpfulness and generosity (Matt. 5:44). You never know when one of them might be a Saul or a Nicodemus.
God bless you, and thank you for co-suffering these “light afflictions” with us. It is an important part of the stewardship of your soul.
