8 Christians who changed the world for the better

When someone prays, we know they’re faithful. When someone serves, we know they’re compassionate.

That’s Christianity in a nutshell.

But, there’s more to it than that. It’s about the impact you make, the lives you change. Some individuals take their faith to another level, reshaping the world for the better in extraordinary ways.

Now, let’s talk about eight such Christians. They were ordinary folks like you and me, but possessed certain qualities that set them apart.

These are their stories…

1) Mother Teresa

When you hear the name Mother Teresa, what comes to mind?

For most people, it’s service. Selfless, boundless, relentless service. The kind that makes the world stand up and take notice.

But there’s more to her than just that. You see, Mother Teresa had a rare quality that set her apart – her empathy. She could feel the pain and suffering of others as if they were her own.

And it’s this empathy that drove her to dedicate her life to serving the poor and the sick. She didn’t just see their struggles; she felt them. And she couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.

Her legacy is a powerful testament to the impact one person can make when they let empathy guide their actions.

Incredible, isn’t it?

2) Martin Luther King Jr.

I remember the first time I heard Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

I was in my sixth-grade history class, and our teacher played it for us on an old cassette player. As King’s powerful words filled the room, I remember feeling a sense of awe.

King was more than just a civil rights leader. He was a Christian minister who used his faith as a force for peaceful change.

His dream of equality wasn’t just a political statement, it was deeply rooted in his Christian beliefs about love and compassion for all humanity. He didn’t just talk about his beliefs; he lived them.

And he paid the ultimate price for standing up for what he believed in.

His courage and conviction have always inspired me, reminding me that faith is more than just believing – it’s about living our beliefs, even when it’s hard.

3) William Wilberforce

Slavery. A word that conjures images of immense suffering, injustice, and a dark chapter in human history.

But did you know that it was a devout Christian who played a significant role in its abolition in Britain?

That’s right. William Wilberforce was a member of the British Parliament and a deeply committed Christian. He used his influence and relentless perseverance to fight against the slave trade.

His faith wasn’t something he checked at the door when he walked into Parliament. It was the driving force behind his tireless efforts to end this inhumane practice.

Wilberforce’s work eventually led to the passing of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, effectively abolishing the slave trade within the British Empire.

4) Corrie ten Boom

World War II, a time of unimaginable horror and chaos. Amidst this, there was Corrie ten Boom, a Christian woman whose faith in the face of adversity was nothing short of inspiring.

She, along with her family, risked their lives to save many Jews from the Nazis by hiding them in her house.

Eventually, they were discovered, and Corrie was sent to a concentration camp. But even there, her faith did not waver. She continued to serve others, providing hope in a place where it was scarce.

After the war, Corrie dedicated her life to sharing her story and message of God’s love and forgiveness, even for those who had wronged her so grievously.

A true testament to the power of faith and forgiveness, wouldn’t you say?

5) Billy Graham

I remember the first time I watched a Billy Graham crusade on television. I was mesmerized by his passionate preaching and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life.

Billy Graham, often referred to as “America’s Pastor,” had a unique ability to share the gospel in a way that resonated with people, whether they were sitting in a stadium or watching from their living room.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that it wasn’t just his eloquent speeches that made him influential. It was his genuine love for people, his unwavering faith in God, and his commitment to spreading the gospel.

His ministry reached millions of people worldwide, bringing hope and spiritual guidance to many.

Looking back, I can see how Billy Graham’s impact wasn’t just about the number of people he reached; it was about the lives he touched, including mine.

6) C.S. Lewis

Here’s a fun fact – C.S. Lewis, one of the most influential Christian writers of the 20th century, was once an avowed atheist.

Yes, you heard that right. The man who penned “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Mere Christianity,” among other classics, didn’t always believe in God.

His journey from atheism to Christianity is as fascinating as his works. It was a gradual shift, influenced by his intellectual pursuits and personal experiences.

And once he embraced Christianity, he used his gift for storytelling and philosophical insight to explore and explain his faith in a way that appealed to both believers and skeptics alike.

This unlikely journey from skepticism to faith made C.S. Lewis one of Christianity’s most compelling voices.

7) Saint Francis of Assisi

When you think of Saint Francis of Assisi, images of a humble man surrounded by animals might come to mind. He’s the patron saint of animals and the environment, after all.

But his influence goes beyond that. Born into wealth, Francis chose instead a life of poverty and service, embodying the Christian teachings of humility and compassion.

His love for nature and all living creatures was a reflection of his deep reverence for God’s creation.

But here’s something more. He’s credited with creating the first live Nativity scene to help people better understand the birth of Jesus.

His life and teachings have inspired millions to pursue a path of simplicity, love, and respect for all life.

8) Desmond Tutu

Desmond Tutu, the South African Anglican cleric and theologian, played an instrumental role in ending apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation in South Africa.

Tutu used his faith as a catalyst for change, promoting forgiveness, reconciliation, and unity. He believed in the power of love and forgiveness to heal a nation divided by racial hatred and bigotry.

His work earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984, but more importantly, it helped pave the way for a more just and equitable South Africa.

Tutu’s life is a powerful reminder that faith can be a force for social justice and change.

Final thoughts

By now, I hope you’ve seen that the impact these individuals made goes beyond their Christian faith. Their stories are about the power of love, compassion, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

Each of these Christians, in their unique ways, made the world a better place. They weren’t just followers of a faith; they were agents of change.

And perhaps that’s the most significant takeaway from their stories. Faith isn’t just about personal salvation or a set of rituals. It’s about living in a way that reflects love for others and a commitment to making the world a better place.

So, as we reflect on these lives, let’s remember that each one of us has the potential to make a difference. It doesn’t matter who we are or where we come from. What matters is the love we share, the compassion we show, and the changes we fight for.

It is said that faith can move mountains. These eight Christians are proof that it can also change the world.

What would Jesus say?

Unsure whether to move on from a failed marriage? Struggling with desire and feeling guilty for it? Wanting to live a life Jesus would be proud of?

Let Jesus tell you how to be a good Christian according to the teachings of the Bible.

We brought Jesus back to life with the help of AI. Ask your toughest life questions, and Jesus will tell you exactly what to do.

Check it out here.

 

Lucas Graham

Lucas Graham

Lucas Graham, based in Auckland, writes about the psychology behind everyday decisions and life choices. His perspective is grounded in the belief that understanding oneself is the key to better decision-making. Lucas’s articles are a mix of personal anecdotes and observations, offering readers relatable and down-to-earth advice.

Trending around the web

The art of letting go: how acceptance and mindfulness can transform your life

The art of letting go: how acceptance and mindfulness can transform your life

Jeanette Brown

Reconnecting with Halloween’s ancient rituals: Modern practices to honor the past and find meaning today

Reconnecting with Halloween’s ancient rituals: Modern practices to honor the past and find meaning today

The Vessel

If you stay attached to these 10 things, you won’t move forward in life

If you stay attached to these 10 things, you won’t move forward in life

If you stay attached to these 10 things, you won’t move forward in life

If you stay attached to these 10 things, you won’t move forward in life

The Vessel

Samhain: The ancient Halloween and the thin veil between worlds

Samhain: The ancient Halloween and the thin veil between worlds

The Vessel

10 signs someone is not very intelligent, even though they pretend to be

10 signs someone is not very intelligent, even though they pretend to be

Hack Spirit

Get our articles

The latest Move news, articles, and resources, sent straight to your inbox every month.