Hudson Taylor was a British Protestant Christian missionary to China and founder of the China Inland Mission. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest missionaries in Christian history. His life and ministry have inspired many people around the world. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
On God's Provision
"God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply."
Hudson Taylor believed that if we do God's work in God's way, He will provide everything we need. We don't need to worry about money, resources, or manpower. We just need to trust in God's provision.
On Prayer
"If I had a thousand pounds, China should have it; if I had a thousand lives, China should have them. No! Not China, but Christ. Can we do too much for Him? Can we do enough for such a precious Saviour?"
Hudson Taylor was a man of prayer. He believed that prayer was the key to success in his ministry. He prayed for China and its people every day, and he encouraged others to do the same.
On Faith
"The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed."
Hudson Taylor had great faith in God's call to evangelize China. He believed that the Great Commission was not just a suggestion, but a command that every Christian must obey. He was willing to risk his life and health to bring the gospel to the people of China.
On Perseverance
"Many Christians estimate difficulty in the light of their own resources, and thus they attempt very little and they always fail. All giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His power and presence to be with them."
Hudson Taylor faced many challenges and obstacles in his mission to China. But he never gave up. He persevered through hardship and opposition, trusting in God's strength and guidance.
On Love
"Love is the root of obedience, the bond of fellowship, and the fulfilling of the law."
Hudson Taylor believed that love was the most important thing in the Christian life. Love for God and love for others should motivate everything we do. Without love, our obedience and service are meaningless.
On Humility
"It does not matter how great the pressure is; what really matters is where the pressure lies. Whether it comes between you and God or presses you nearer His heart."
Hudson Taylor was a humble man. He recognized his own weaknesses and limitations, and he relied on God's strength and grace. He was more concerned with pleasing God than with pleasing people.
On Sacrifice
"Let us give up our work, our plans, ourselves, our lives, to God. It is only through such sacrifice, and not through ease and self-indulgence, that we can truly serve Him."
Hudson Taylor believed that true service to God requires sacrifice. We must be willing to give up our own desires and plans in order to follow God's will. He modeled this sacrificial spirit in his own life, giving up his comforts and even his health for the sake of the gospel.
On Evangelism
"To evangelize is to spread the good news that Jesus Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures, and that as the reigning Lord He now offers the forgiveness of sins and the liberating gifts of the Spirit to all who repent and believe."
Hudson Taylor believed that evangelism was the most important task of the church. He devoted his life to spreading the gospel to the people of China, and he encouraged other Christians to do the same.
On Missionary Work
"God's mission is not just that we would have a nice time or that we would be comfortable or that we would be successful according to the world's standards. God's mission is that people would be reconciled to Him."
Hudson Taylor believed that missionary work was not about personal gain or success, but about bringing people to Christ. He urged missionaries to focus on the goal of reconciling people to God, even if it meant facing difficulties and hardships.
Conclusion
Hudson Taylor was a man of great faith, love, and sacrifice. His quotes continue to inspire and challenge Christians around the world. May we follow his example of service and devotion to God.