Living the Exchanged Life: Hudson Taylor’s Radical Trust in Christ
In today’s world, people want to know if what we profess is real. They don’t just want to hear us speak about our faith—they want to see it in action. This is especially true in our relationships with others, whether in our workplaces, communities, or families. In Dave’s experience, some of the most meaningful opportunities for witnessing have been through everyday interactions with people he works with. When we’re around others for hours each day, we have the chance to show what it means to live out our faith. And that, more than anything, can make a difference.
One of the key aspects of Taylor’s success was his discipline and cultural adaptation, which led to unprecedented opportunities to share the gospel.
Taylor famously said, “A man may be consecrated, dedicated, and devoted, but of little value if undisciplined.” His life demonstrated how discipline in both spiritual and practical matters was crucial for impactful ministry. However, it was his cultural adaptation, especially in China, that became one of the most groundbreaking elements of his missionary work.
When Taylor went to China, he recognized that he could not impose Western, or in his case, British culture, onto the Chinese people. He understood that the gospel’s message must be shared within the context of their own culture. This understanding led him to make significant changes, including adapting his dress to align with the local customs.
Taylor famously wore a “man bun” (Lol) —a hairstyle associated with the Chinese people at the time. Initially, he faced resistance, but after making this change, the doors to ministry opened in ways he never expected. People were no longer wary of him as a foreigner; instead, they saw a man who was genuinely invested in their culture and way of life. This act of cultural empathy endeared him to the local population and gave him access to homes and opportunities to share the gospel.
This cultural sensitivity is something we can all learn from. We often talk about how we should maintain our identity as Christians, yet we can also take a page from Taylor’s book and be sensitive to how cultural differences can affect our ministry. In today’s context, there are certainly sinful aspects of every culture, but there are also many things that can work in harmony with the gospel. It’s important to understand these distinctions and adapt accordingly.
In our own experience, we’ve found that understanding the cultural context of our ministry is vital. For example, in Erik’s case, when doing street ministry, dressing in a suit can create a barrier between you and the people you’re trying to reach. When I wear a suit, people immediately perceive me as someone with an agenda, possibly even a Mormon, which makes them hesitant to engage.
But when I dress more casually, I’m able to connect with people on a deeper level. The same goes for our Bible study in a local coffee shop and even the church services held in our home. By dressing like the people around us, we make ourselves approachable, breaking down barriers and making it easier for people to open up about their lives and spiritual struggles.
We’ve found that people are more comfortable in informal settings, where they feel at ease to share. For instance, after our church service, we always invite everyone to stay for a meal. This not only fosters a spirit of fellowship but also allows us to understand people better. When you live among people and experience life with them, you’re better able to communicate the gospel effectively because you’ve built the trust needed for them to hear what you have to say.
However, we’re also careful not to fall into the trap of adopting worldly trends just for the sake of fitting in. The goal is not to become like the world but to remove any unnecessary obstacles that hinder people from hearing the gospel.
There’s also an important conversation about formality in ministry. While some of us feel led to maintain a formal appearance, especially in church settings, we also understand that certain contexts call for a more relaxed approach. For example, when I (Dave) worked with a group of young men at Penn State, I learned that dressing casually helped me connect with the students we were ministering to. We didn’t go out wearing suits but chose to dress in a way that made us approachable without losing our respectability.
It’s crucial to be led by God in these decisions. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution to how we should dress or present ourselves. Some situations may call for more formality, while others may call for a more relaxed approach. The key is being sensitive to the environment and the people you’re trying to reach. This principle can be applied across many areas of life—whether in the workplace, at a social gathering, or even when ministering to people who might not yet know Christ.
Hudson Taylor’s life provides a profound example of what it means to live among people and identify with them in a way that opens the door for ministry. When he went to China, he didn’t see his role as a mere outsider preaching to people from a distance. He wanted to be “one of them.” In a time of great hostility between the British and the Chinese, Taylor’s approach to ministry was radical. He famously said, “Let us, in everything not sinful, become like the Chinese, that by all means we may save some.” He didn’t let cultural differences stop him from reaching people with the gospel. His mission was about becoming so deeply involved in their lives that they would trust him—not just as a foreigner but as someone who truly understood them.
Taylor’s approach challenges us today: Are we willing to get involved in the lives of those we’re trying to reach? Are we willing to live among them and become, in a sense, like them—so they can see Christ through us? This goes beyond just attending church or speaking a few words of encouragement; it’s about building genuine relationships, earning trust, and being there for others in the most real, raw ways.
Hudson Taylor’s story also speaks to something many of us struggle with in our walk with God: striving to do everything ourselves, rather than resting in Him. Early in his ministry, Taylor faced immense physical, emotional, and spiritual challenges. He worked tirelessly, hoping that his efforts would produce the results he desired, especially continued holiness of heart. But despite his best efforts, he found himself overwhelmed, weary, and spiritually dry. His health suffered, and his work seemed fruitless.
It wasn’t until a letter from a friend revealed a simple but profound truth that Taylor’s life changed. The Christian life, he realized, wasn’t about striving to be holy. It was about abiding in Christ. In that moment, he understood that it wasn’t his own strength or effort that would make the difference—it was trusting Christ to work through him. Taylor called this the “exchanged life,” where he surrendered his burdens to God, knowing that Christ’s strength would carry him through. Taylor’s life and ministry became marked by a peace that passed all understanding. His trust in God’s provision allowed him to minister with calm assurance, even in the most challenging circumstances.
The exchanged life is about learning to let go of our own control and trusting in God’s power to accomplish His will through us. It’s about realizing that Christ’s presence in our lives is what empowers us to live out His calling. For Hudson Taylor, this was not just a theological concept—it was a deeply personal experience that radically changed the course of his ministry.
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if we just try harder, pray longer, or work more, we’ll see the results we want. But I’ve (Erik) learned, sometimes the hard way, that it’s not about striving or exerting more effort. It’s about resting in God’s fullness and trusting that He will do the work through us.
After Hudson Taylor’s “exchanged life” experience, everything changed for him. His ministry flourished in a way that was only possible because he had learned to rest in God’s provision. People around him noticed the transformation, especially in his prayers. What had once been anxious and strained prayers became calm, trusting prayers—prayers that reflected a heart at rest in God’s faithfulness.
Taylor’s life is a testimony to the power of trusting in God and resting in His fullness. As he said, “If Christ has called me here, it is His responsibility to provide what is needed.” This shift from striving to trusting, from working in his own strength to abiding in Christ’s, is what made Hudson Taylor’s life and ministry so effective.
Hudson Taylor didn’t just teach a theory—he lived out the exchanged life every single day. It wasn’t about what he could do for God; it was about allowing God to work through him. Taylor was known for his unshakable peace, even in the most difficult circumstances. He understood that he couldn’t make the work of the gospel happen on his own. He needed the abiding presence of Christ in every moment.
It’s easy for us to become frustrated when things don’t go according to plan. But just as Taylor found that the work is God’s, not ours, we too can trust that God will accomplish His purposes in and through us. The abiding life invites us to surrender our anxiety and not strive in our own strengh, resting in the truth that God is in control. His power is made perfect in our weakness, and it’s through this surrender that we experience His peace and His provision.
As you reflect on Hudson Taylor’s life and the concept of the exchanged life, ask yourself: Are you striving or abiding? Are you trying to do everything on your own, or are you trusting in Christ to provide everything you need for the work He’s called you to?
I encourage you to read more about Hudson Taylor’s life—especially his spiritual journey of learning to abide in Christ. The chapter on the “Exchanged Life” in the book, “Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret“, is a great place to start and can stir your heart to fully surrender to God’s will, trusting that He will equip you for everything He has called you to do.
Keep your eyes on Jesus, keep trusting Him, and keep praying. And remember: it’s not about striving—it’s about abiding in Him.
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