Gandhi Wanted to Go to Church

Gandhi was brought up in a Hindu family, but as a college student he had heard much about Christianity and wanted to learn about it. One Sunday morning, he decided to visit one of the Christian churches in Calcutta. Upon seeking entrance to the church sanctuary, he was stopped at the door by the ushers.

The usher very courteously informed him that he was not welcome, nor would he be permitted to attend this particular church as it was for high-caste Indians and whites only. He was neither high caste, nor was he white. Because of the rejection, the Mahatma Gandhi turned his back on Christianity.

Years later in a speech, Gandhi said that usher was only doing his job and he thought he was ushering a colored man out of church, but actually he was ushering India out of the British Empire.

No wonder Gandhi later declared, "I'd be a Christian if it were not for the Christians." How grieved the Holy Spirit must have been that day. That usher followed a pattern his church had always followed rather than responding out of the love he professed to have. When led by any idea or person other than the Holy Spirit, there can be immense consequences.

There may be someone in your neighborhood or your office for whom your word of love and acceptance might make an eternal difference. And there may be someone in your office for whom a harsh word might be the last straw.

Thank You, Lord, that when we trust in You, You give us Your words, attitudes, and ideas, so that others sense Your love.

"Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all. Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience" (Colossians 3:11, 12).