"Be the change that you wish to see in the world."

The phrase “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” while powerful and inspiring, does not originate from the Bible but rather from Mahatma Gandhi. This notion encapsulates the core of personal responsibility and ethical conduct—a theme that resonates through many spiritual traditions, including those found in Biblical texts.

In many ways, Genesis begins this call to change. Humans are created with the ability to influence their environment: "God created mankind in his own image" (Genesis 1:27). This notion emphasizes the potential individuals hold to initiate transformation. It suggests that each person can choose to embody and promote positive qualities such as love, compassion, and justice—like Gandhi emphasized—tailoring their actions to reflect their ideals.

One might think of the Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), which encourages treating others with kindness because it fosters community spirit and overall well-being. Echoing that sentiment today, figures like Gandhi and countless others throughout history advocate for an active participation in shaping society. Interestingly, did you know that Gandhi was actually inspired by readings of the New Testament? Although he never formally converted to Christianity, the moral teachings of Jesus, promoting love and redemption, influenced his philosophy and approach to nonviolence.

This idea aligns through the ages, articulated through Proverbs, which states that “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). A testament that we are guided toward creating impactful changes through our existence—symbolic of each individual serving as an agent for transformation in their own right.