Advice to Christians from Gandhi, part 1

May 20, 3:55 PMSeattle Protestant ExaminerKevin Austin

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"First, I would suggest that all of you Christians, missionaries and all, must begin to live more like Jesus Christ. Second, practice your religion without adulterating it or toning it down. Third, emphasize love and make it your working force, for love is central in Christianity. Fourth, study the non-Christian religions more sympathetically to find the good that is within them, in order to have a more sympathetic approach to the people." Mahatma Gandhi

Let’s break this down and look at each part.

First, we should live more like Jesus.

Do we live like Jesus? Not physically, like riding a donkey, but ethically and morally, with love as the driving principal? I think there is room for improvement in this area.

The early Christians were ridiculed for their lifestyles and attitudes. This is where the name “Christian” comes from. Christians were “little christs”. Paul says in the book of Philippians, chapter 2, that our attitude should be the same as our savior – full of love, humility, even to the point of suffering. Do we suffer for the faith? I know some who do, but most of them live in other countries.  Do we think of others as better than ourselves?  Are we quick to listen? Are we doing all from a heart of love?

Second, we should not tone down our faith.

Nothing is worse than something that is watered down. I would much rather have meaningful conversations with someone who believes strongly in something than with someone who is indifferent. Is Christianity relevant? Is Christianity true? If the answer to these questions is “Yes”, then there is no room for apathy, indifference, or boredom.

Can we believe strongly in things and still be polite, tolerant, and loving? Yes, we can.

Check back tomorrow for the next two suggestions.

Photo: Worship in Thoen, by K. Austin