On MLK Day
As I take the time to write today, I realized I had the the time because I'm off work today. It's a holiday. Today is set aside by our country to recognize the life, work and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr.
As I've looked through my social media streams this morning, I've seen multiple celebrities, friends, and random acquaintances posting quotes attributed to Dr. King. A few examples:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
"If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward."
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."
"The time is always right to do what is right."
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy."
"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
"I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
I freely admit to cherry picking just a little to make my point. Bear with me.
MLK was a great man. His work leaves a legacy that I benefit from each and every day. But at the end of the day....he was just a man. I believe that so many of his quotations resonate so deeply because they are rooted in God's word. As a minister/pastor/preacher, he knew and understood the Bible.
My question/challenge for you, dear reader (all three of you...), is why are so many willing to quote Dr. King, but not Jesus? Why are we willing to ascribe greatness to a mortal, but shy away from recognizing the infallibility and perfection of Jesus.
Worship, reflection, and prayer don't require a holiday, just a contrite heart.
Just remember on this MLK day (and every other day), that only God can allow us to be: "Free at last, Free at last, Thank God almighty we are free at last."
