Today, as we remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.,
my heart is heavy for our nation. The United States of America has become the
Divided States of America and I have never seen us so fractured. We are split along
racial lines, generational lines, political lines and gender lines just to name
a few. And the church is not immune. We fight over anything and everything from
the color of the carpet to which translation of the Bible Jesus used. All the
while the enemy sits back and laughs as he watches his plan unfold.
Jesus said it like this -
“Knowing their thoughts, He told
them: "Every kingdom divided against itself is headed for destruction, and
a house divided against itself falls.”” – Luke 11:17 HCSB
Our nation needs healing and I believe the Church has the message of
hope the world so desperately needs. But we must do more than just preach a message
of unity, we must live it. We must move beyond tolerance into love, treating
others with the same grace and compassion that Jesus has shown us.
Here are just a few timeless quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -
“Our lives begin to end the day
we become silent about things that matter.” Too many people are quick to
point out a problem and too few are willing to be a solution.
“Darkness cannot drive out
darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do
that.” We must be the peacemakers in this moment of crisis, dousing the
flames instead of fueling the fire.
Fifty years ago Dr. King gave his life for a dream that I still long
for and believe in today. Some 2000 years ago Jesus gave His life to break down
the walls that divide us.
“Therefore I, the prisoner for
the Lord, urge you to walk worthy of the calling you have received, with all
humility and gentleness, with patience, accepting one another in love, diligently
keeping the unity of the Spirit with the peace that binds us. There is one body
and one Spirit—just as you were called to one hope at your calling— one Lord,
one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and
through all and in all.” – Ephesians
4:1-6 HCSB
Dr. King led in his generation, it’s time for us to lead in ours.
