Today we remember the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He is a hero. A man of courage. He gave his life in the fight of restoring dignity and equality for black and brown people in America. He stood up to the power structures that sought to keep a people in a permanent second class citizenship. He did it majorly on biblical principles of love and peaceful demonstration. He denounced racism and institutional injustice for the sinful evils that they are and helped us all envision a future where all of God’s people could live in harmony together regardless of our ethnicity or skin tone.
Each year on this day I try to take some time to reflect on Dr. King’s vision, and work. I listen to his sermons, interviews, and speeches. I read letters and memorable quotes. I do this because I want to learn more about what bravery looks like. I want to be inspired to continue being an activist for his dream of unity, justice, and reconciliation among all people. I want to keep my heart soft towards the sacrifices made to give me some of the freedoms I enjoy as a black man, while longing for the ultimate freedom that Christ is bringing with the new heavens and new earth.
This year one of the quotes that caught my attention and resonated with me was this.
“People fail to get along because they fear each other; they fear each other because they don't know each other; they don't know each other because they have not communicated with each other.” - Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
I found this to be incredibly relevant to the current problems of racial division in the culture.
Today I see a lot of things that are far from Dr. King’s dream...
I see Political campaigns and debates that seem to be based on fear of national relations with people who are different. There seems to be little grace shown to someone with a differing view point on how certain policies should be carried out.
I see a lot of people who assume the worst of others. There is a lot of suspicion, accusation, and mistrust. The majority of these tensions are centered around altercations with law enforcement and minorities. There is even great division over the appropriate way to raise awareness to the issues.
I see two “camps” forming among Christians. There are several points of disagreement between them. One side says social justice and racial reconciliation are not gospel issues, and the other says that those issues are at the heart of the gospel and the practical outworking of its message. It seems as though these “camps” take shots at each other, and question the validity of each other’s faith. It seems that although the number of multi-ethnic churches in America have increased in the last decade, Sunday mornings from 11-12 are still the most segregated hour of the week. All the while the unsaved world is watching and making mental note that instead of a solution to racial division, the church seems to be one of the problems.
I see a lot of tweeting. Social media allows us the chance to criticize others. speak our minds to others. Offer our opinions to others. Much of this talk is harsh, cutting, and directed towards people we don’t have relationships with. Too many people are trying to be heard, and very few people are trying to hear.
All of this boils down to a lack of community. A lack of really knowing people who are different than us. Dr. King points out that we can’t get along with each other primarily because we can’t truly open our lives to each other. Pastor Bryan Loritts says that “proximity breeds empathy, while distance breeds suspicion.”
Consider this, when all of our friendships are with the same kind of people. And all of our Theology comes from the same kind of sources. And we are only exposed to the same cultural expressions. When would we ever have a chance to grow and be shaped to the point of loving unity?
What would it look like if we fought hard to have real relationships with people who were different than us? Where, in those relationships we humbly shared our differing experiences and views on life. What if we were able to talk about fears, politics, opinions, and rebukes face to face as friends seeking to understand each other? Dr. King’s words bid us to these kind of relationships. But more importantly so do Jesus’. Jesus’ teachings call us to pursue these relationships, ( Matt. 5:21-26)(Luke 6:27-36) and his work on the cross empowers us to pull them off. (Col. 3:11-15) His shed blood purchased our oneness with all who believe. (Eph. 2:14-16) Those who have experienced His love should of all people extend that love to others who are different than them. Yes, even those who believe differently than them. When we allow ourselves to live in real relationships by the Spirit’s power we start to learn from one another and grow empathy. We start to speak the truth about the changes that need to take place, but we do it in love. We are made aware of our blind spots and preferences that hinder true reconciliation. Rev. Dr. King Jr. lived in these relationships. He didn’t just debate and argue he got in the streets and worked for change. He locked arms with people from every walk of life. He said a lot, but he did much more. He was a man of action, and demonstration of love.
On this MLK Jr. Day will you prayerfully read or listen to some of Dr. King’s works? Celebrate his contributions to civil rights. Allow them to motivate you to dive into hard relationships with people who are different than you. Have awkward conversations about experiences in both of your lives. Read through Ephesians chapter 2 several times and meditate on the gospel of reconciliation. Dr. King’s dream, was first God’s dream, and He sent Jesus to die and rise to accomplish it. With his help we can seek to understand, change, grow, and love.
Letter From Birmingham Jail
Love Your Enemies
MLK Talks About The New Phase of The Civil Rights Movement
20 inspirational quotes by MLK Jr