Today we honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and his mission to achieve equality for all people. Dr. King's message of peace and justice applies to us all. It’s an echo of Christ’s commandment for us to love one another. This national holiday is a time to review our history and reflect on valuable messages that are still meaningful today.
In a speech on February 4, 1968 Martin Luther King Jr. shared thoughts deriving from Matthew 23:11..
“But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That's a new definition of greatness. By giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great, because everybody can serve. You don't have to have a college degree to serve. You don't have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don't have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don't have to know Einstein's theory of relativity to serve. You don't have to know the second theory of thermodynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace, a soul generated by love.”
Martin Luther King Jr.
Indeed, we are all capable of greatness because we can serve. How will you serve today?
If you’re struggling to get started in service we encourage you to listen with love. Hearing the call for help is a motivating force, sometimes we are just too preoccupied to hear it. Be intentional today to drop your worries, to shed fear, and to listen for those in need around you.
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.
1 John 4:20 NIV
It's important for everyone to feel heard. If we don't listen, how can we hope to know how to love and serve them?
Let’s work together today, and everyday, to be God’s hands in blessing the world.
