Words of Life: An Enduring LegacySample

World leaders.

The world has had its share of political leaders, good and bad. Some have inspired courage, like Mahatma Gandhi, who led by his example of resilience, knowledge, people skills, and motivational approach, and policy of non-violent protest through civil disobedience.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the USA, showed great determination, persistence, and courage by ending slavery and leading the nation during the American Civil War. Confucius in China taught how to cultivate the value of modesty, planning, respect, moral behaviour, honesty, and sincerity. He said that true happiness comes from helping others.

Others have initiated and allowed evil acts of terrible proportions. Lenin and Stalin were responsible for millions of deaths in their various purges. Hitler condemned millions to a dreadful death.

The world has also seen religious leaders, good and bad. Sadly, there have been some religious leaders who have made enormous demands of their followers, but not themselves lived by the standards they have imposed on others. Others have abused their revered position, or succumbed to temptation or corruption.

A few religious leaders have even declared themselves gods, or prophets through whom God has spoken to the world. Those who dared describe themselves on a level with the Almighty have been discredited with ease – except for one man, Jesus Christ.

Here is a leader who changed the world for good. His self-sacrifice has inspired his followers over the centuries to perform wonderful acts of kindness. They have founded hospitals and schools, run hospices and leprosariums, campaigned for better working conditions for people, helped abolish slavery, and pioneered numerous actions for the good of humankind. It’s true that some misguided followers have done shameful and terrible things allegedly in the name of Jesus, but the vast majority have enriched the world by their living, influenced by their leader.

Let’s do what we can today to listen to Jesus and follow his example.