BE THE CHANGE * * BE THE CHANGE * * BE THE CHANGE
I don’t know who it was that spayed the above message on this street, but whoever it was does seem to want action; seems to be motivated to do something … but what?
Was the author of this street-art-message someone of faith? I doubt it, but I may be wrong … and after all, does it matter who wrote it? Whoever it was is ‘speaking’ to anyone who reads it, and right now, YOU are that recipient.
So, this message is written for YOU.
This is for you, whether you are a follower of a particular faith; or someone who doesn’t follow any faith … you may even be an atheist.
This message is for YOU.
Whoever you are, would you like to give it a go and ‘Be The Change’?
It seems such a laudable goal. But its going to be difficult, maybe impossible. Will you give it a go?
Start with yourself … just you. Get yourself right, then take on the world.
As the author of the street message says (to you): ‘BE THE CHANGE’.
Believer or Atheist … Does it matter? … Can YOU change the world?
Does it really matter who or what you are … or what you believe in?
This quote from Mahatma Gandhi seems to answers that question:
“Suppose one man admits the existence of God, but lives a life of falsehood and immorality, while another knows not the name of God but lives a life of truth and virtue, can there be any doubt as to which should be regarded truly religious as well as moral?” … Gandhi
To paraphrase another of Gandhi’s sayings:
(modified slightly … my words in italics):
“Living faith means the acceptance of the brotherhood of mankind. It also means equal respect for all religions (and none). It would be the height of intolerance to believe that your religion (or non-religious belief) is superior to other religions or any other belief system, and that you would be justified in wanting others to change over to your religion or belief system.”
If you accept the premise that whatever belief system you take,
the brotherhood of humankind is paramount, then ‘TO BE THE CHANGE’ should have a central significance in your life, whoever you are and whatever belief system you ascribe to … whether that be Christianity; Hinduism; Judaism; Islam etc. etc, or atheist.
Are you ready to ‘Change the World’?
Before you start … A reality check:
Believers have tried and non-believers have tried … and failed.
I’ve tried (with and without God) … and failed … did I try hard enough?
Should I keep on trying? … with or without my belief system?
Have you tried before?
Previous failures for myself and others suggest that a new strategy is called for … one that will enable people of faith as well as those with no faith and no religious allegiance to contribute positively to changing the world, and with a more certain hope of achieving success.
A new strategy:
I previously published an article titled:
‘How To Change The World … With or without External Assistance’.
That article contained the words of a poem/song that I wrote many years ago, to illustrated the difficulties of trying to change the world, and admitting to failure (myself), as well as pointing to the failures of others.
I re-present that poem/song in this, today’s article, in order to develop and promote what I now believe to be, a simple, yet comprehensive strategy, for changing the world.
I am basing my strategy on the words and deed of two men-of-history: Mahatma Gandhi & Jesus Christ and though this may strike you as in fact a religious strategy, please bear with me … because it does not have to be.
My two men-of-history are indeed religious icons in their own spheres of influence, but I choose today, to highlight their declarations of how important it is to focus on humanity’s needs … not the needs of a God … if we are to CHANGE THE WORLD.
First, Gandhi … Here’s another quote from him … and note: Gandhi was a devout Hindu himself.
In referring to Jesus (a man from another faith to his own), Gandhi says this about Jesus:
“JESUS WAS ONE OF THE GREATEST TEACHERS THAT HUMANITY HAS EVER HAD” … Gandhi
So, whilst Christians might say: “All you need is Jesus”, and atheists might say: “You can do it WITHOUT Jesus”, Gandhi’s statement suggests that to focus on ‘Being LIKE Jesus’ might be a most laudable aim for everyone … believers of all faiths and non-believers alike.
As mentioned earlier, I titled my song: “BE LIKE JESUS”
*********************************************
Newsflash:
Only yesterday (whilst writing the draft for this article), I came across an opinion piece by Janet Albrechtsen, writing in my weekend newspaper,
‘The Weekend Australian’ of 25/26 March 2023. It really ‘grabbed’ me, and I can’t launch into my song until I share this with you now:
**********************************************
Janet was giving her opinion on Harper Lee’s classic ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ describing it as the closest thing to a bible for atheists, and one particular statement of Janet’s stood out (for me) as a true clarion call for action.
I re-present that statement below as a reflective comment for all who would seek to CHANGE THE WORLD … for those who want to BE THE CHANGE.
I am using it, not only as ‘the closest thing to a bible for atheists’, but as ‘THE’ Model for ‘CHANGING THE WORLD’.
Thus, I give you Janet’s words, which focus on the novel, but I ask you to consider how they seem to relate to Jesus as well.
They surely describe him so well … showing that atheists can use him too!
You don’t have to be a believer to appreciate that TO BE LIKE JESUS is not a bad idea.
Janet’s words:
“… moves us, educates us, changes us, implores us to respect individual dignity, insists justice applies to every single one of us.
… challenges us to step into the shoes of others, the marginalized, the victims of prejudice, the ignorant, and even the wicked” … Janet Albrechtsen
Of course, Janet used these words to describe the novel … but nothing could better describe the man who was called Jesus than the above paragraph. I don’t need to quote any particular biblical extract to show this … the bible is riddled with supportive evidence. This is Jesus!
And so, to my song:
My Song:
My song is far less powerful than Janet’s words. It is in two parts.
It attempts to monitor believers and non-believers in their efforts to change the world … to BE THE CHANGE.
I’ve titled the song: ‘BE LIKE JESUS’ … but I’m not suggesting that you need to be religious to change the world. I’m not!
Read it and you’ll see that religiosity (even a belief in Jesus) does not necessarily need to come into it.
Read the words and see which of the two parts of the song you relate to?
* * * * * ‘BE LIKE JESUS’ * * * * *
(A challenge for believers and non-believers alike)
PART ONE … FOR BELIEVERS:
You’ve got faith in Jesus Christ?;
Show me that faith now.
You believe he can change lives?;
Show me that change now.
Can’t you see the world is laughing at you?
Can’t you see your responsibility to everyone who laughs now?
You’ve got faith in Jesus Christ;
You must lead a balanced life.
Be like Jesus, word and deed;
Give the laughing world a lead.
PART TWO … FOR NON-BELIEVERS:
You’ve got works so good and true?
Show me the world now.
The world is changing ’cos of you?
Show me that change now.
Can’t you see that though you’re trying your best,
Your surface efforts do not seem to impress, on the soul of man now.
You’ve got works so good and true;
STOP! and think what you could do
If you could be like Jesus too;
And change the changeless world.
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This post was previously published on MEDIUM.COM.
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