It’s Black History Month…and I am reminded of the “I have a dream” speech that Dr. King gave as he fought for the rights of the community he represented…the black community. His words were simple and powerful…and, like a sword, they pierced to the very soul and core of those who heard his words.
Even to those who rejected them.
And much like Dr. King had a dream for the black community and their future…I have a dream for the Church community that I represent and their future as well…
I have a dream that one day the Church will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind…and…Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:36-40)
I have a dream that one day in every home and in every local church body, believers of every race, denomination and political affiliation will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood, and once again find their unity under the banner of Christ rather than the color of their skin, denominational nuances or their political party platforms and favorite politicians. (1 Corinthians 1:10)
I have a dream that one day even the most legalistic believer and hard hearted unbeliever will be transformed into an oasis of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23)
I have a dream that my four children will one day be an integrated and valued part of the church where they will be seen as valued and gifted members who are uniquely gifted and in need of equipment to reach their community, rather than being looked at as another dollar sign to fulfill a budget, or another able bodied person needing to be coerced in to “serving” in a fruitless program. (Ephesians 4 and 1 Corinthians 12)
I have a dream that one day people will be able to look upon the church and say “We know you are disciples of Jesus because we see how you supernaturally love one another.” (John 13:35)
I have a dream that one day at the very mention of the name of Jesus every knee will humbly bow, and every tongue will joyfully confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10-11)