The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

Grandpause:

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Events of this past year like Ferguson remind us of it. This world is far from what it was intended to be. Everyday we are struck with obvious reminders that this world is not our home. It is tainted by sin and the disappointments of injustice. Even our understanding of justice is skewed by sin, and ideological divisions keep us from loving one another as Christ has loved us.

We long for harmony and goodwill among men. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose life and work we celebrate on Monday, also longed for that day when his own children and everyone’s children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.” That day will not ever be fully realized until our Lord returns and establishes a new heaven and a new earth when all will be as it was intended to be. But in the meantime,

we are called to a ministry of reconciliation as Christ’s ambassadors.

As we set aside Monday, January 17^th, to honor Martin Luther King, Jr., let us determine to use this event as a teachable moment for our grandchildren. We can teach them what it means to be adopted into God’s family. We can remind them that this Gospel of Christ that was given so that every nation and every people, regardless of color or culture, would be blessed and reconciled to God, was the motivation behind Dr. King’s Freedom Marches and preaching.

Those who stir up the disenfranchised to violence and destruction do not follow in the way of Dr. King or his Savior. Our Lord has committed us to a message of reconciliation made possible only when hearts are made new in Christ. Let us then show the next generations that follow us that we are indeed dedicated to such a ministry. Why not join in an MLK Marade in your area and take your grandchildren with you? Link arms with those who carry the message of reconciliation and brotherly love, and be part of building a vision of what the kingdom of God look like.

Jesus is in the business of making all things new. As a follower of Christ, what are you doing to join Him in that mission? How are you contributing to build a commitment of oneness and unity in Christ among all the races and cultures rooted in truth and grace? This was the legacy that Dr. King left. Will you keep it alive for the next generation?