They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share,
(1 Timothy 6.18
NRSV)
Follow Jesus' example. Be as concerned about giving as about gaining. Humble yourself and trust your reputation to God.
One man who took Jesus seriously was Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi acknowledged that he had been much influenced by the Gospels and touched by the life of Christ. As he once remarked, "I might have become a Christian had it not been for Christians!"
Gandhi did not lead the masses by standing like a monarch above them but by identifying with them and sharing in their circumstances. A part of Gandhi's greatness was that not even the untouchables of India were beneath him or were made to feel uneasy in his presence. Other Indian leaders lived in mansions, far removed from the masses, going everywhere and doing everything first class, but Gandhi would not allow anyone to be lower than he. Other Indian dignitaries, usually of high caste themselves, were no more willing to associate with untouchables than with lepers. Gandhi not only lived and marched with untouchables, he gave them a new dignity and a new name. He called them HARIJANS, "the people of God."
In the same way Christ has given us a new dignity and a new name. Such dignity does not come from what we have, but by what we are those called by his name. Now we are to go out to give that same dignity to others.
Dear Jesus, thank you for the dignity you have given to me. Guide me in boldly sharing it with others. Amen.
