From the abolition of slavery to woman's suffrage to the civil rights movement, America has a rich history of Christian activism. But what lies at the heart of true Christian activism? True Christian activism always begins with the truth. That means the true activist is a witness, anxious to pass on truth to others. We can all agree that Dr. Martin Luther King was a true Christian activist that sought change in our society, and fought for the freedom and equal rights for all African Americans and women. Dr King taught America that change can happen when people unite, but he did it with the love of God and fought back with the truth of His Word. This morning as I read news articles from around the country I hear a common thread among journalists - "Dr King's challenge to America - to honour its Constitution that mandates unity, equality and justice for all - is resulting in a healthy, vibrant, PROGRESSIVE America today", "Too many churches today follow the path of 'prosperity preaching' instead of Dr King's message of SOCIAL JUSTICE,". "The key question to ask ourselves is, are we making a difference with our lives?" As you read those words, within them there is an abundance of truth. Although, if you look closer you will notice a common misunderstood world view.
As you watch news stories today you will notice very far left progressives twisting the words of Dr. King. Remember, he wanted equality among God's people. He was not searching for an all around utopian society that some suggest was the meaning behind his "I Had A Dream" speech. It was a dream that someday God's vision of unity among His people would come into fruition. Martin Luther King supported the strength of God through his people, and encouraged all Christians to fight for what is right in our society by delivering the word of God first - Truth. He did not put his faith in Government to do the work that we as Christians should be doing. There are many Christians out there that believe that since we are not being as active as we should be in this world; then it is up to the Government to stand up and fill in the gaps. Let me tell you this is dangerous thinking. We who have been anointed in the glory of God are all COMMANDED to stand up for his people - which is everyone! Our government is no longer a God fearing government. This being said you can be rest assured when we put our faith in government to lead aid to countries such as Haiti; they are not doing so by first bringing the Truth of God. There was a saying not to long ago by a gentleman in the Senate who said "Never let a good disaster or tragedy go to waste". This comment got all Conservatives ticked off because of the political controversy this statement was made in. Although is we as Christians need to think about it - God does allow tragedies to happen, but he does so that we Christians around the world can unite and bring the Truth of God to the people who need help. We as Christians should never let a disaster go to waste by not bringing the light of Christ into the darkness.
The problem with the statements in the first paragraph are that - Progressives (both democrats and Republicans) in our so called progressive America no longer believe in the Constitution as a document that binds us together as a Nation under God, but a document that "stands in the way of progressive change, and binds us up, which limits Government" (President Obama) "I believe in amending the constitution to better reflect the America of today - the America of the future". The truth is our governments world view of SOCIAL JUSTICE is far from the same social justice that Dr. Martin Luther king stood for (After all we would have to ask ourselves: Could we even begin to understand what social justice is if it wasn't already defined to us in the Bible by the Lord our God). Martin Luther king believed in our country as a Nation under God protected by the Constitution Of The United States Of America, not a Country striving for progressive change under a Constitution that stands in the way of Government growth. The Government should work for the people not the other way around. We should not need to fear our government, government should fear the accountability of it's people. Dr. Martin Luther King stood up as a man of God and an American against the Injustice of Slavery, All along encouraging everyone to do the same.
To keep something straight. I believe that it is a good thing that our country gets involved in world issues such as what has happened in Haiti in recent days. What I do not agree with is Christians standing by, giving up opportunities to promote real change to a people who have suffered for many years as a result of the absence of God. I realize this is not true for all Haitians for this would be profiling, but to ignore this truth would be hasty. To give your faith in a government that does no longer believes that we are a country under God, to go and do the work we as Christians should be doing in order to spread the word of God in places - like Haiti - as commanded of us. Then we would be failing. Not all of us can go, but I ask you all to look up the people of Faith that are, and help them financially. Randy Hogue of Randy Hogue Ministries. He just left last evening to go to Haiti to help bring aid as well as distribute 1 Million Bibles to the people of Haiti and teach them the word of God. Truth first. He is a die hard Baptist, but I am sure you all could forgive him. : )
While you remember the man this day was dedicated to; please remember his successes and his social influence, while remembering to distinguish between the media's spin of his words and the truth of Gods teachings conveyed through this minister. I would like to finish off another one of my long rants with some inspiring words from Dr. Martin Luther King.
"Above all the activist must possess courage and an unyielding faith in the God of justice. Injustice does not loosen its grasp easily. We must be prepared for a long haul, drawing on the rich resources of community and that abiding hope and passion for truth. And we must avoid violence: in our rhetoric and our actions". "Don't get panicky. . . . I want you to love our enemies. Be good to them. This is what we must live by. We must meet hate with love."
Blessings,
Dave Roediger
Dave Roediger
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