This week recognizes one of the 20th century’s greatest leaders, one who could inspire hearts to change and feet to action. Monday commemorates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and celebrations and memorials will happen across the country. Yet for so many, Monday is only another day off school, when banks and government offices are closed. We can only pray the message of Dr. King and others who work for peace and equality will not be easily forgotten or ignored.
Our world, this fabulous rock God gave us to tend, carries a myriad of talented people. We have the capacity to confront most of our world dilemmas, if only we have the will. Peace, equality, food and shelter for all are within our grasp, but it is going to take love, effort and tremendous hard work. It’s time for the followers of Jesus to take the lead.
I recently made a comment at our congregation’s annual meeting that for the church to be relevant to the world we must remain focused on the main thing, and keep our work and witness centered on the issues that change the world. The average person sipping coffee shop latte’s could care less about our theological quarrels, one church claiming its right-ness while telling us who’s wrong, or the endless stream of Christians who give us the low-down who’s saved and which poor suckers will be damned to hell. Not that I’m not concerned about such things, we simply can’t be consumed by these matters. Not when wars rage out of control, hunger is ashamedly rampant, preventable disease is high and equality remains far off.
Still, there is much hope. Jesus spoke regularly about the kingdom of God on earth. We who have faith in this One, who trust in his promises above all else, who hold these words of life can lead the way. All we need is the will.
