Living the Right Way

Some time back I came across a shocking news report carried by the Times of India. It was entitled, "YMCA shuts doors on 'lepers'" (dated November 7, 2006). I do not wish to go into the details of the news. The headlines, shocking as it was, is self–explanatory. For a brief period of time, it raised public outcry that soon died away. I too wanted to join in the chorus. But I did not. Matthew 7:1,2 flooded into my mind. We are quick to condemn others but patient with ourselves. Leave aside 'lepers,' do we not turn away beggars from our lives? Do we not distinguish ourselves from the servants who toil in our homes? Or the sweepers who sweep the streets? Perhaps more shocking than the YMCA action to me was the reaction of the public that was quick to judge. Leave alone 'lepers.' What have we done for the beggars, the Dalits (so–called untouchables), the slum–dwellers, the child laborers – the products of the evils of our own society? Spare them a thought.

But yes, YMCA, as an institution that George Williams founded more than 150 years ago as a substitute Bible study and prayer for life on the streets, YMCA, which was formed with the vision of crossing the rigid lines that separated all the different churches and social classes and the ideal of bringing all people of all faiths, races, ages, abilities and incomes together, should have known and done better.

The website of YMCA USA reveals that YMCAs' financial assistance policies ensure that no one is turned away for reasons of inability to pay. Very good. I suppose then YMCA Delhi, technically, has not breached its policies. But what about the Paris Basis of 1855 , the Kampala Principle of 1973 and the Challenge 21 adopted in 1998 ? I leave that to the readers to decide.

And, yes, the YMCA news that left a bitter taste in my mouth, also made me think something – am I living the right way?

Indeed, how do we live the right way? Looking at the things that are happening in the world, Apostle Peters words, "The end of all things is near" (1 Peter 4:7) rings true. Indeed, how should we live? As Christians, as the people who were once sinners and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, there can be only one way we can live – revealing the image, love and glory of Christ. We, as one body of Christ, as members of the Universal Church, should strive consciously to reveal the deep heart of love, mercy, grace and forgiveness of Father God. We should live revealing the glory of God, so that people looking at us may praise Him. We should not, through our conduct bring shame to Him. Looking at our lives, those who do not know Christ, should want to know Him and follow Him.

Indeed, the end of all things is near. We, who profess to follow Jesus, who carried our sins and died for us, can only live one way – the right way. Let us not be judged by the non–Christians. More importantly, let us not be judged by God. For His judgment is terrible. Let not God's name be blasphemed among the Gentiles because of us. Let us not dishonor God by doing something opposite to what Jesus lived and died for.

Let us pray for YMCA Delhi so that it can concentrate on what it does best – serving communities.

Let us all live the right way.

God Bless.

[1. Paris Basis 1855 – The continuing basis of the work and witness of the Young Men's Christian Association is expressed in the PARIS BASIS, as adopted by the delegates of the First World Conference in Paris in 1855, and reaffirmed by the 6th World Council of YMCAs in 1973:

"The Young Men's Christian Associations seek to unite those young men who, regarding Jesus Christ as their God and Saviour, according to the Holy Scriptures, desire to be his disciples in their faith and in their life, and to associate their efforts for the extension of his Kingdom amongst young men.

Any differences of opinion on other subjects, however important in themselves, shall not interfere with the harmonious relations of the constituent members and associates of the World Alliance."

2. Kampala Principle 1973 – The 6th World Council meeting in Kampala, Uganda, in July 1973, adopted at the same time the following declaration of principles:

The Paris Basis expresses that Christ is the centre of the Movement, which is conceived as a world–wide fellowship uniting Christians of all confessions. It is consistent with an open membership policy, involving people irrespective of faith as well as age, sex, race and social condition.The Basis is not designed to serve as a condition of individual YMCA membership, which is deliberately left to the discretion of constituent movements of the World Alliance.The Basis makes clear that the constituent movements of the Alliance have full freedom to express their purpose in other terms designed to correspond more directly to the needs and aspirations of those whom they are seeking to serve, provided these are regarded by the World Alliance as being consistent with the Paris Basis.Recognising the character of the YMCAs in the world today, this act of acknowledging the Paris Basis places upon the various associations and their members as fellow workers with God such imperatives as:

a. To work for equal opportunity and justice for all.

b. To work for and maintain an environment in which relationships among people are characterised by love and understanding.

c. To work for and maintain conditions, within the YMCA and in society, its organisations and institutions, which allow for honesty, depth and creativity.

d. To develop and maintain leadership and programme patterns which exemplify the varieties and depth of Christian experience.

e. To work for the development of the whole person.

3. Challenge 21 1998 – "Challenge 21" signifies responsibilities that YMCAs might assume in the new millennium according to their specific needs and possibilities.

The potential agenda–orientations in Challenge 21 clearly position the YMCA in relation to wider societal happenings. It was consciously not titled as a Statement of Mission – such a statement might emerge as a consequence of a continuing process. For the time being, Challenge 21 was felt as a step forward in renewing an understanding of the implications of mission in our times, with the Paris Basis maintained as the foundation of YMCA mission. Even as the world we live in becomes more and more complex, we are obliged to find ways in which we remain geared to the times, but equally or more importantly, anchored to the rock.

Affirming the Paris Basis adopted in 1855, as the ongoing foundation statement of the mission of the YMCA, at the threshold of the third millennium, we declare that the YMCA is a world–wide Christian, ecumenical, voluntary movement for women and men with special emphasis on and the genuine involvement of young people and that it seeks to share the Christian ideal of building a human community of justice with love, peace and reconciliation for the fullness of life for all creation.

Each member YMCA is therefore called to focus on certain challenges which will be prioritized according to its own context. These challenges which are an evolution of the Kampala Principles

Sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and striving for spiritual, intellectual and physical well–being of individuals and wholeness of communities.

Empowering all, especially young people and women to take increased responsibilities and assume leadership at all levels and working towards an equitable society.

Advocating for and promoting the rights of women and upholding the rights of children.

Fostering dialogue and partnership between people of different faiths and ideologies and recognizing the cultural identities of people and promoting cultural renewal.

Committing to work in solidarity with the poor, dispossessed, uprooted people and oppressed racial, religious and ethnic minorities.

Seeking to be mediators and reconcilers in situations of conflict and working for meaningful participation and advancement of people for their own self–determination.

Defending God's creation against all that would destroy it and preserving and protecting the earth's resources for coming generations. To face these challenges, the YMCA will develop patterns of co–operation at all levels that enable self–sustenance and self–determination.

Adopted at the 14th World Council of YMCAs, Frechen, Germany, 1998]

[Mission Statements courtesy World Alliance of YMCAs. Visit http://www.ymca.int]