The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a great and famous leader of the Civil Rights Movement. On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law. The first official holiday was observed on the third Monday in January, although at the time only 27 states and Washington, D.C. observed the holiday. In the year 2000, South Carolina became the last state to sign a bill recognizing the day as a paid holiday. Unfortunately, for many years the day was considered to be a Black American holiday and only in recent years has it finally been considered a holiday for all people.

Many special events are held on this day to remember Dr. King and his service. Church services and school programs are held during which young people recite his speeches, especially his most famous “I Have A Dream” speech delivered at the March on Washington, D.C. for Jobs and Freedom on August 28, 1963. Marches are also held on the holiday, along with community and national events calling attention to issues of social justice.

The blessing is in the service

As important as the memorials, marches and celebrations are that honor Dr. King as a prominent and world-renowned leader in the fight for equality and justice, it also should be noted and celebrated that he was a servant of the Lord who gave his life in service to others. Dr. King’s motivation and goals were not to become famous nor to be considered great. His desire was to serve in a manner that would effect positive change in the world for the benefit of humanity, regardless of race or socioeconomic status.

Christ calls us, his followers, to serve others in both small and large ways. Our acts of service may not include leading a major social justice movement as Dr. King did, but the Holy Spirit will equip us with the gifts we need to serve in the places and situations to which God calls and leads us. The blessing is not in greatness but in service.

Question of the day: Where do you serve others?
Focal scriptures: Joshua 1:1-6; Luke 5:4-11; Acts 9:15-19

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