Living to influence the world

 

I had scheduled another article for this week; but I could not ignore the headline news, which is dominated by, the death of Nelson Mandela. I know that you have already read countless articles on him online; so, I won’t be writing another one.

Since the 20th century, there haven’t been many whose death has shaken the entire world. We can think of Gandhi, J.F. Kennedy, Lady Di, Michael Jackson and, to a lesser extent, Whitney Houston and Mother Teresa. However, Mandela’s death seems to have been at another level and had the biggest impact. Perhaps, it could be because we now live in such digital times that any information can quickly become a planetary event. What is certain, is that, like Gandhi and Diana, Mandela was loved by all – the few Afrikaners who could see nothing else than a terrorist when he was released from prison excluded of course. Everybody loved him and there are not many people in the world who have never heard of him – which cannot be said of some other illustrious individuals like Mother Teresa or Whitney Houston.

I do not know whether Mandela was a Christian or not; and, actually, I do not even think that it matters anymore. If he was one, praise GOD! But if he wasn’t, then we have to acknowledge the fact that his life has exemplified many Christian values.

Personally, I sincerely wish most Christians could display at least half of his humility, forbearance, magnanimity and sense of mission and sacrifice. I wish Christians would love their enemies and their oppressors as he did. Oh, yes, I do believe that if our churches were filled with such people, we would definitely change the world. We would definitely make disciples of all nations. After all, today South Africa is a pure product of the inheritance and philosophy of Nelson Mandela.

Test everything – and thus, every life -; hold fast what is good. Earnestly desire the higher gifts (1Th 5:21; 1Co 12:31). I would therefore like to exhort us to examine his life; hold fast to what has made it great; and be inspired to live lives that will deeply transform all our circles of influence.

I leave you with four of his quotes:*

• There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.
• It always seems impossible until it is done.
• I have retired, but if there's anything that would kill me it is to wake up in the morning not knowing what to do. Or very similar: There is nothing I fear more than waking up without a program that will help me bring a little happiness to those with no resources, those who are poor, illiterate, and ridden with terminal disease.
• If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness.

Think about this and refocus your life.Have a great week and GOD bless you.

*Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/n/nelson_mandela.html