Martin Luther King Jr. Day is traditionally viewed as a day off from our busy schedules, but what we fail to realize is it was intended to be so much more than that.
"In 1994, legislation was passed to create Martin Luther King Day of Service – to encourage citizens to use the federal holiday as an opportunity to give back to their communities. Considered a "day on, not a day off" individuals are encouraged to work towards King's vision of a "Beloved Community."
In the words of King himself:
“Every man must decide whether he will walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
What I know to be true is this, to honor the legacy of a man we all admire so greatly, today has to serve as a call to action for each of us to do our part in being a catalyst for transformation in the people we know and the neighborhoods we live in.
So not just today, but everyday, may we honor the words and example of a devoted follower of Jesus, Dr. King, by laying down our lives for the sake of our brothers and sisters regardless of religion, race, color, creed, etc.
May we love and live in real community, and not just talk about it. May we envision and take steps toward a world where people are valued with the love of Jesus even as we let Him work that love out in our own hearts. A world where tangible steps are taken to learn from and walk alongside those that are different from us economically, socially, racially, etc. A world where the content of our character is high, and our lives reflect the unshakable power and authority of our heavenly Father.
That world is a dream come true, and is absolutely possible through Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment