As we honor the remarkable life and teachings of Martin Luther King, Jr. today, it is important we understand the challenges and trials Dr. King overcame during his life to become one of the world’s most noteworthy reformers and thinkers in human and civil rights.
Dr. King was born Michael King, Jr. 90 years ago on January 15, 1929. His father, Michael King, changed both his name and his five-year-old son’s name to honor the famed Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther, after returning from an inspirational trip to Germany. Prophetically, both father and son would become significant leaders in the Civil Rights movement.
Though Dr. King aspired early on to be an attorney or a doctor, Benjamin Mays, the President of Morehouse College convinced Dr. King to pursue Christianity as the most effective way to bring about God’s righteousness and justice. Following both his father and grandfather’s footsteps into the American Baptist ministry, King earned his degree in sociology from Morehouse College at the remarkable young age of 15 and later received a Ph.D. in theology from Boston University.
Dr. King was born Michael King, Jr. 90 years ago on January 15, 1929. His father, Michael King, changed both his name and his five-year-old son’s name to honor the famed Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther, after returning from an inspirational trip to Germany. Prophetically, both father and son would become significant leaders in the Civil Rights movement.
Though Dr. King aspired early on to be an attorney or a doctor, Benjamin Mays, the President of Morehouse College convinced Dr. King to pursue Christianity as the most effective way to bring about God’s righteousness and justice. Following both his father and grandfather’s footsteps into the American Baptist ministry, King earned his degree in sociology from Morehouse College at the remarkable young age of 15 and later received a Ph.D. in theology from Boston University.
A Spirit to Overcome
The Apostle James wrote:
My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJV
While no one wants to endure the suffering that accompanies trials and obstacles, the choice to hope and trust in God disciplines the human spirit to persevere and rely on God alone who is unseen and eternal. Accordingly, we cannot truly judge our circumstances or the consequences of life by what is visible or quantifiable in our own understanding. But the passage of significant time does give those who study history a glimpse of what impact a life fully lived for God’s Kingdom can do in the world.
The Apostle Paul in Romans 8:28 wrote:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
The Apostle Paul, who endured persecutions, lashings, numerous imprisonments, beatings, shipwreck, and was martyred for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Gentiles, wrote “For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:17 NKJV.
The eternal perspective of our trials changes everything. Today, injustice still exists because we live in a broken world, with broken people, but the Roman Empire crumbled, and Christianity has spread to over 2.5 billion people. A remarkable legacy for the Apostle Paul and the other disciples following a crucified, risen Savior.
Dr. King - A Life of Challenges
During the course of his brief life of 39 years, Dr. King was arrested over twenty times for protesting. He was violently attacked, both his person and property, stabbed, received verbal threats, and his home bombed and set afire. And still, he persevered with his message of love and equality through non-violent demonstration. Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, yet his message and legacy of love, peace, and justice live on.
The only way to forge a change in the perspective of a nation was to bring to light the sin of segregation, racial prejudice, intolerance, and violence that was being perpetuated in the shadows and darkness. The eyes of the nation had to be opened for a change of heart to begin. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NKJV That is God’s promise. It is up to us to obey.
Like the Apostle Paul, who endured much and died a painful death to spread the gospel of truth in our Lord Jesus Christ so too does Dr. King’s life continue to resound in our hearts, minds, and soul. Yes, injustice still exists. Yes, prejudice is alive. But we each have the choice and the freedom, as citizens of a free nation, to be the change we want to see in our homes, our work, our neighborhood, and our community. We can start with our own thoughts, words, and actions.
My hope and prayer today is that we follow Dr. King’s example by choosing to share God’s light. Right the wrongs we see in front of us. Be kind. Promote justice for all.
The only way to forge a change in the perspective of a nation was to bring to light the sin of segregation, racial prejudice, intolerance, and violence that was being perpetuated in the shadows and darkness. The eyes of the nation had to be opened for a change of heart to begin. “But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7 NKJV That is God’s promise. It is up to us to obey.
Like the Apostle Paul, who endured much and died a painful death to spread the gospel of truth in our Lord Jesus Christ so too does Dr. King’s life continue to resound in our hearts, minds, and soul. Yes, injustice still exists. Yes, prejudice is alive. But we each have the choice and the freedom, as citizens of a free nation, to be the change we want to see in our homes, our work, our neighborhood, and our community. We can start with our own thoughts, words, and actions.
My hope and prayer today is that we follow Dr. King’s example by choosing to share God’s light. Right the wrongs we see in front of us. Be kind. Promote justice for all.