Why Gandhi Can Lead To Worldliness

Last Tuesday at BCM Tim shared how sad it is that the church is beginning to display quotes from historic figures, the main being Gandhi. Many were probably taken back by this statement and I want to share why we as followers of Christ should not support the placing of these such teachings in the church or follow them ourselves. Many people in culture use inspirational quotes from leaders such as Gandhi to gain motivation or hope for the future. Why should we as followers of Christ take the quotes of historical figures, whose inspiration comes from other religions, and use them in our churches or for our motivation? Mark Driscoll writes in his book Death By Love:

Indeed, not everyone considers the cross of Jesus such good news. For example, speaking of Jesus' crucifixion, the Hindu Gandhi said, "His death on the cross was a great example to the world, but that there was anything like a mysterious or miraculous virtue in it, my heart could not accept."

Gandhi was a Hindu spiritual leader who did not believe that Jesus Christ was and is Lord. When we use quotes of his, or any other non-christian leader for that matter, in the church and in our lives for inspiration and spiritual meaning instead of using the teachings of Jesus and the Word of God, we commit the sin of worldliness. Let us hold fast to the Word and not turn to false teachings (2 Peter 2:1-3). Let us hold true to the Word of God and not love the world (1 John 2:15). Let us not look upon world leaders who do not call upon the name of Christ as their Lord and Savior for inspiration. Let us look towards the one true God who has brought, is bringing and will always bring the ultimate change that needs to come in the world.