Equality

By Jesse LeMay

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a special holiday for many here in the United States. Dr. King was assassinated in Memphis in 1968, while leading the charge for equal civil rights. Although many advocated for a day in his honor soon after his death, it wasn’t until 1983 when Ronald Reagan finally made it a national holiday. In our current time of the 21^st century, King is widely recognized as the champion and hero of the civil rights movement. Answers would no doubt vary as to why one would coin Dr. King with this title, but as a whole, his non-violent and peaceful approach is what has appealed to most throughout the years.

            In addition to heading the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. was also a believer in Christ. King himself said that his first priority was to preach the gospel and serve in ministry. Dr. King also made it well known publicly, that the non-violent approach that he passionately pushed for, was based on Christian ideals and the teachings of the New Testament. This peaceful approach was constantly challenged, as the men and women participating in the demonstrations were met with hatred and violence. Despite all of the violent opposition, King maintained his peaceful stance, all the while maintaining that ALL men were created equal. 

            If Dr. King were alive today, he would surely feel a sense of accomplishment and appreciation for where his and many others efforts have led. Martin Luther King’s message was “equality,” and he claimed that the origin of his message was from the Holy Scriptures. King was correct in that we are all created by God, and in His eyes we are all of equal worth. Sadly, the reality of such equality lies within the fact that we are all sinners in need of God’s saving grace (Romans 3:23). Yes, we are equally lost in our sin, and the only thing that can give us hope is the blood of Jesus Christ. True and glorious equality comes to those who are in Christ, and have been given the free gift of God’s grace (Galatians 3:28).