“During my lifetime I have dedicated myself to this struggle of the African people. I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.” (Nelson Mandela, April 20, 1964)
Today marks the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release after 27 years in prison. His name is known throughout the world for the pivotal role he played in leading South Africa from apartheid to democracy and from hatred to reconciliation. What struck me as I listened to the report was the last line of his speech in 1964. “It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be a follower of Jesus Christ. In particular, what do I expect from God and what am I willing to give to Him? I think I expect a lot more than I’m willing to give.
I wonder, “What would I dedicate my life to?” and “What am I willing to die for?” As a Christian, I know that my answer should be “the kingdom of God.” But when I look at how I live, I question whether that is really true. I know myself. I know that I am more interested in receiving life than giving it. More interested in being filled than filling others. More interested in asking what my God can do for me than what I can do for God and others.
Along with the words of Nelson Mandela, I hear also the words of Jesus Christ:
“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his kingdom.” (Matthew 16:24-28)
And I pray, “Change my heart, O God. Make it ever true. Change my heart, O God. Make me more like you.”
