Why Martin Luther King Jr.'s Dream Still Matters Today

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have A Dream" Speech | History

Today we celebrate the legacy of one of the most influential civil rights activists of all times.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech on August 28, 1963, but five decades later, his words still ring strong.

Check out Dr. King's full speech text and audio here.

There's no denying that racial injustices are still happening in 2018. Yet, I believe that we can help society overcome these prejudices by truly living out what the Bible teaches about unity and diversity and what King's dream encompasses.

Dr. King brought up the "urgency of Now" by saying,

"...Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice.

Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

Now is the time to make justice a reality for all of God's children.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment..."

Most societal issues are prolonged due to lack of movement. Yes, it's great to be aware of the injustices around us.

Yes, it's good to care.

But, it's even more important to take action NOW. Segregation would never have ended if people didn't stand against it and fight for equality.

What I most admire and respect Dr. King for is his nonviolent approach to equality for all.

He says...

"...Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline.

We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence.

Again and again, we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force."

I absolutely love the concept of "meeting physical force with soul force". This can be applied to any battle against any force of evil! Whether we're facing racial prejudice, religious discrimination, or immoral standards, our response should not be covered in violence, but rather in love.

In Ephesians 6:10-18 (NLT), Paul explains how we are to combat the evil in this world through the armor of God...

"A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God's armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God's armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God's righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."

The only way to fight against this world's injustices is to put on the armor of God.

Prayer and love are what will change the world.

In God's eyes, we are all equal. He loves everyone the same is is no respecter of persons. It doesn't matter if you're black, if you're white, or anywhere in between. It doesn't matter if you're rich or poor, old or young, famous or unheard of.

God loves you! You are incredibly valued by Him.

My prayer is that Christians will rise to love others as Christ does, so that the words of Dr. King will come true...

"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

How awesome would that be?!

Instead of labeling someone by any external factors or stereotypes, what would it look like to see people for their character?

That woman is honest. That man is responsible. Those people over there are extremely generous.

Wouldn't that turn the world upside-down?!

Dr. King holds faith as the necessary factor in overcoming oppression...

"With this faith, we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith, we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day."

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream still matters today.

We still need to love and pray, instead of casting judgments on people.

I need to work on this too.

But this is a dream that can indeed come true.

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