Gandhi /How then shall we live? WWJD?

"Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him [her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to freedom for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?Then you will find your doubts and your self melt away. " Mahatma Gandhi 1948

Translation:
WWJD?
What would Jesus do?




In the 20th Century few people lived the gospel as well as a weak and foolish little Hindu man who came to be known as Mahatma, the Great Soul. Gandhi was deeply impressed by the life and teachings of Jesus and would have become a Christian if it were not for all those he met who proclaimed themselves to be Christ's followers.
Mahatma Gandhi lived a simple life of poverty and prayer. He espoused the essential dignity of every human person and lived to serve his fellow man. By his example and his teachings he was victorious by using moral suasion and non-violent protest.
In an ironic twist of history Gandhi won by livin and appealing to the very tenets of Christ's teaching that were supposed to be at the foundation of the greatest Imperial power of all time, the British Empire. He won the moral victory by convincing his followers to turn the other cheek, over and over again but never giving in to injustice and oppression. His life and self sacrifice shamed the 'Christian' nation of England who then gave the Hindu's and Muslims of the subcontinent their independence.


There are a few excellent examples of Christian leaders in our culture and time that can take their place beside this Great Soul, but I do wish there were more.
Perhaps we could find more examples of great souls among those who do not get recognized as leaders but who are faithful in living loving lives in very difficult situations.
Christ is probably more evident and active among those we call little or insignificant. Perhaps that is why some self-appointed, self-annointed leaders in the Christian world may seem lacking in comparison to people like Mahatma Gandhi.