Reflections: In 1937 Isak Dinesen published her autobiographical book Out of Africa. It was a recounting of life as a British woman in Africa. The book was made into a movie by the same title in 1985 staring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford. In the book, Dinesen wrote of a young boy who appeared at her door asking for work. He developed into an excellent worker around the house, but after three months he asked for a letter of recommendation to work with a Muslim leader in Mombasa.
Dinesen offered him a raise to stay, but the boy declined. He stated that money was not the issue. He said he was attempting to determine if he should be a Muslim or Christian. He had worked for her for three months to see the ways of Christians. Now he would work for a Muslim to see how Muslims lived. After comparing, he would choose whether to be a Christian or Muslim. Yesterday, I read Craven William’s commentary on the lectionary readings for the week. In his post, Craven used a famous quote by Mohandas Gandhi. When Gandhi spoke to a group of missionaries, he said: “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.”
This morning, I wonder what would be the young African’s decision if he were around me for three months. I also wonder what Gandhi’s opinion of Christianity would be if he observed my life. Jesus said that we are his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. That would include Nairobi, New Delhi Granite Falls, and wherever we live and move and have our being.
Prayer: Oh Lord , may we remember that the world is watching. Amen.