Scripture- “But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the Spirit, and not in the old way of the written code.” – Romans 7:6
Insight: Anyone can be great because anyone can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” – Martin Luther King Jr. An enduring legacy is created when we put others before ourselves and we put high causes at the forefront of our existence. As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day in America, it is important to remember that at his core, Martin Luther King Jr. was a Christian man who preached Christian values. The world has tried to politicize his teachings and use it to advance a political viewpoint, but at his core Martin Luther King Jr. was about love, equality and serving others. He was trying to unite people in a common bond of love, the same message Jesus preached. MLK said “love is the only force capable of turning an enemy into a friend.” Jesus taught “love one another as I have loved you.”
MLK said “life’s most persistent and urgent question is what are you doing to help others?” Jesus taught “I have not come to be served but rather to serve, and to give my life as a ransom for others.” MLK said “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Jesus taught “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” MLK said “Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude.” Jesus taught “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Let us never lose sight of the fact that what made Martin Luther King Jr. great was not some political agenda, but that he preached a biblical message of love, equality and unity. In today’s media driven world that focuses on division and politics, keep in mind as we celebrate the legacy of a great man, that the bigger message of MLK Jr. was one still as relevant today as it was when Jesus walked the earth and that was the real purpose we are here for is to “love God and to love others before ourselves, for these are the greatest commandments of all.”
Prayer: Father God, help us to set aside all the division and politically fueled hatred and to return to our basic roots of humanity built around love, unity and equality. Every so often you send a courageous man like Martin Luther King Jr to remind us that what unites us has to be greater than what divides us and that love is the great elixir for hatred. May your love and light shine through your Son Jesus Christ into the darkness of the world, clouded by politics and division. We pray that in Jesus mighty name. Amen.
Moving words Doug. Growing up in the South at a time when I cheered on those who put MLK in jail, and a couple of miles away from where they were attacking peaceful protesters with police dogs in Birmingham, the love of MLK, that only Jesus can create in a man’s heart, has made MLK not only my friend but also my hero. He deserves to have a day in his honor.
Doug
What a beautifully written piece of truth and wisdom through the grace of God. Thank you for sharing this for it reminds me of why we are here.. to love and serve Him. Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude… what amazing words spoken by MLK..