Back in the day and even sometimes during these "latter days" when someone does something you might hear a person respond by saying, "Oh that's so and so's child..." or "I can't believe this, don't you know that's ____ boy."
Many times trying to convince someone of your stance or position pertaining to a certain "thought process" is done more by what you do and less by what you say. It's the opposite of when your parents would tell you, "Do as I say and not as I do"; although there are many times when the usage of this vernacular is warranted.
The question goes without asking, "What happens when people claim/aspire to be something but live in a way which suggests that their claim(s) or aspiration(s) is(are) false?"
O Great and eternal God, show us what it means not only to be created in your image but to be representatives of your kingdom. We have failed to love as we should. We claim to be your church yet turn away the least of these. We involve ourselves in the latest fad or fashion to keep up with people who don't compare themselves to you. Allow us to hear that which you are saying to us. May we act on the convictions you have placed in our hearts and accept the challenge that springs forth from your Word. Amen.
There's an old school song that talks about the Lord ordering our steps. Part of the lyrics go like this: "The world is ever changing, but you are STILL the same. If you order my steps. I'll praise your name!"
The word I love most in that whole ensemble is "still"...well, it's actually the phrase, "still the same". It amazes me how despite the changing of seasons or how we as a "world" have changed over numerous generations, Christ is still the same and God is still in control.
This brings me to my point. Christ is the same and God is in control, yet we have to change; constantly #growth
Here are a few people which brought about change, specifically by being the change. I assure you that there was a process of growth which they underwent before inspiring anyone.
Martin Luther King, Jr:
There isn't much that I have to say about this brother (which hasn't been said). He's known worldwide for his advocacy but also more importantly the Biblical undertones that were used to challenge not only people, but the institutions that so eagerly "enslaved" its own people through legislation and the like.
Mahatma Gandhi:
Another great example of a person who lived out what he believed. He's credited with the ever so popular "catch-phrase" that speaks on being the change we wish to see in the world. Gandhi also served as inspiration for MLK, Jr.
Malcolm X:
Some people have found issue with the man formerly known as "little", mostly because he was seen as a militant and in many instances as a stark opposite of Martin Luther King, Jr. (If you haven't had a chance to read his autobiography; you should!) He fought for what he believed to be right. Some of his reasoning for how he did things had much to do with his environment and the people he was involved with. In the end he essentially ended up opposing some of what he was taught as he was on a quest for the real Truth that he was seeking as a part of his faith journey.
Jesus:
"King of the Jews" was his title. He came, he lived and he died. The "founder" of Christianity. In thinking about Jesus I'm going to focus on something that Mr. Gandhi said....or at least is attributed to him
#culturalContext
I remember hearing this quote some time ago and wondered exactly what it was that this peacemaker was saying about Jesus Christ. Was it that Gandhi had "beef"? Could it be that he was showing bias towards a belief other than his own? How is it that someone who is not a "follower of Christ" can like Christ or even accept his position?
Christ lived a life that is to be seen an example. All of these individuals had various qualities or characteristics that allowed them to affect the situations and circumstances around them; however, had they not "changed" at some point or reflected what it was that they were trying to achieve, their impact may not have been felt as much.
“I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. They are so unlike your Christ.”
-Mahatma Gandhi*
#culturalContext
I remember hearing this quote some time ago and wondered exactly what it was that this peacemaker was saying about Jesus Christ. Was it that Gandhi had "beef"? Could it be that he was showing bias towards a belief other than his own? How is it that someone who is not a "follower of Christ" can like Christ or even accept his position?
Christ lived a life that is to be seen an example. All of these individuals had various qualities or characteristics that allowed them to affect the situations and circumstances around them; however, had they not "changed" at some point or reflected what it was that they were trying to achieve, their impact may not have been felt as much.
- Can you reflect core tenets of a belief without staking claim to it (i.e. Reflecting a faith more "faithfully" than those who claim to believe)?
- As a believer (Atheist, Buddhist, Christian, etc) how does it make you feel when people claim to believe what you do but act differently?
- What does it mean to say you believe in something?
* The jury is still out on whether this is a direct quote from Gandhi; however, himself being a man of "non-violence" and practicing certain "moral trues" that fit within Christianity, we shall attribute this to him.
