Reaching Buddhist & Understanding How They Think

The majority of Buddhist within Myanmar have held to the Theravada system of belief & if we are to reach these people we need to understand how they think.

Paul related to the people groups he was reaching and gave us an example to follow:

‘Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you: ‘ Acts 17:22-23

You can read the full context here

‘For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. ‘ I Corinthians 9:19-22

How do Buddhist think?

Let’s take a moment to actually examine how a Buddhist will most likely think, please keep in mind this is not an extensive list & is not to deter in any way a demonstration of the Holy Spirit & power.

They believe strongly in kama which is intentional actions that will alter their future & ultimately the way they are reincarnated into this world. Rather then seeking supernatural signs & wonders they actually seek an awakening (or enlightenment) through meditation, though supernatural powers are not thrown out they have been warned against them by Buddha. The Buddha: Siddhartha Gautama, in their mind, was a man who became Buddha, the Awakened One, they do not necessarily believe in an omnipotent creator God but do acknowledge spiritual beings with limited powers. They believe that they have to make their own way to enlightenment without the help of God or gods. they believe Buddha’s teachings show the way & they ultimately seek a release from the cycle of reincarnation to a state of Nirvana, freedom from all suffering.

What can we do? How can we reach Buddhist?

So in consideration of how a Buddhist thinks we can do the following:

We untimely need to believe God for an open door:

‘Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.’ Colossians 4:2-4

Be prayerful about those you believe God wants you to reach, prepare your heart & mind.

If we do not glow do not go! 

Make sure you’re own life is right with Jesus, we need to be aflame with the love of God, if you have sin in your life repent of it & confess these things to the Father in Jesus Name:

‘If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. ‘ I John 1:9

Be ready with an answer

Study in the Bible on how you will answer to any objections, read & study the Word daily so you are ready & the Holy Spirit can use what you have deposited in your heart in the moment as needed.

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; I Peter 3:15

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. II Timothy 2:15 NKJV

Meet their physical needs

Every human being has the basic needs of water, food & shelter, we should do everything within our power to meet these needs. In doing so your good works will open the door for the gospel as the old saying goes, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? I John 3:17 NKJV

Build a relationship

Building a relationships is key, it allows those you’re reaching to know you are authentic (providing you are) & allows them to experience the gospel as well as hear it. Not everyone will believe the first time they meet you or hear the gospel so an ongoing relationship allows them to build trust & confidence in the message & the One you represent.

Conclusion

According to PrayerCast.com 86% of Buddhist have never spoken with a Christian, which means they will know little to nothing of Who Jesus really is & what He has done for them. They need to not only hear the gospel but see the love of God in us & a demonstration of the Spirit & power. We are the Bible they will read, we need to be the Christian they will meet & we need to be the ones to preach Jesus in Whom they will believe.