RICHARD TINKER | President, Life Assurance Ministries |
The mountains were almost impassable. Deep snow covered all but the lowest climbs. From one peak could be seen many more to crest. Discouragement stalked travelers who dared pass through.
But there was a place of rest. A small cottage inn that squatted in a protected valley waited for the weary. Simple rooms had enough beds for even the largest groups that passed through. There was a warm stove to cozy by. And innkeepers were happy to discuss the best direction to take when it was time to leave…
I woke up and realized that I had been dreaming. But the dream seemed so real—like a picture of the work here at Life Assurance Ministries.
A difficult journey through the mountains is the path many of us must take as we leave Adventism. Sometimes it seems impossible to bear the pain of friends and family who don’t understand why we must leave. Some of us face the loss of marriages or financial security. But Jesus not only walks with us; He provides the places of rest and support that we need.
Life Assurance Ministries’ mission is not the destination, but it is the mountain inn that provides direction and rest for those travelers who are making the journey to knowing Jesus and leaving behind legalism and false religion.
One of the peaks we must pass over is our need to repent and forgive.
When I left Adventism, I had a terrible urge to sue the church for all the tithes and offerings I had given, from the forced tithing at boarding academy to the required tithing when I worked for a Union Conference office.
When I left Adventism, I had a terrible urge to sue the church for all the tithes and offerings I had given, from the forced tithing at boarding academy to the required tithing when I worked for a Union Conference office. Yes, I had been wronged—but I had also been wrong. I was a willing participant as I not only met the church’s requirement but usually gave a double tithe (20%) of my gross earnings. I felt like I was a superior church member. This attitude led me to think that God owed me something back. I had to repent.
I had to repent of my pride. And I had to give up my feelings of anger to God. He gave me peace and the assurance that He was ultimately in charge of the money I had given.
Our journey will take us over difficult mountains, but Jesus gives us a place of rest.
“He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” (Psalm 23: 2-3). †
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