This is the time of the year in the U.S. that we begin to see many events commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and rightly so. Dr. King is an iconic figure when it comes to fighting for civil rights and impacting America! His accomplishments are many and impressive. He was a Minister of the Gospel; a family man (two sons and two daughters); a superb orator( his “I Have a Dream” address among many); well educated (received his Doctorate degree from Boston University in 1955); Pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama in 1954; a member of the executive committee of the NAACP; elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957; named Man of the Year by Time magazine in 1963; awarded five honorary degrees and received the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of thirty-five in 1964.
For me personally, whenever I think about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I think about having “the courage to succeed!” I humbly submit to you that credentials (as important as they are) is not enough to succeed and impact your world, you must have courage! During the Bus Boycott (1955-1956), Dr. King faced personal abuse, his home was bombed and he was arrested; yet he emerged as a leader of leaders. Joshua was the leader chosen by God to succeed Moses. Yet, God told Joshua three(3) time to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:6-9). Sandwiched between the commandments to be strong and courageous is the command to meditate the word of God (the Bible) and act according to it’s truths and principles. God promised Joshua that he would have good success if he acted accordingly.
The Bible is the word of God and it is truth and righteousness! Any leader today that stands for Jesus Christ (truth and righteousness) must have courage! Whether it be in education, politics, business, law, fashion, media , music or sports (thinking of Tim Tebow at the moment!), you will face opposition. The world is becoming more and more hostile to Christianity but we must not cower and cringe from our assignments as believers. Even here in the U.S., there is an increasing tide of opposition to Christianity and Bible truths. As the world hurls its accusations and attacks, let us stand strong and courageous in truth and righteousness; all in the name of the Lord! We as believers must understand the fact that faith requires courage is implicit. Joshua knew God was with him, he had the word of God, yet he still needed to be strong and of good courage. So do we!
Courage is confidence in the face of danger and opposition! As Christians, we have a commandment to go into all the world, preach the Gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20). In other words, we are authorized by Jesus Christ to use our influence for righteousness sakes. There are people in this world that will kill you just because you are a Christian. We must be courageous; Wise, but courageous! I have preached the Gospel in Northern Uganda, South Sudan and last year, in Nigeria. While God is moving awesomely in places like these, there are certain factions who would have taken our lives as we traveled to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and teach his word. Thanks be to God for His faithfulness! The Bible often tells us not to fear. It tells us God has not given us a spirit of fear as believers.
Let us stand strong and courageous in the face of danger and opposition and use our influence for Godliness and righteousness. Listen, influence is power! Influence is the power to persuade, effect and move. Influence is spiritual power, moral power and physical power. The influence of the Holy Spirit working in us and through us is spiritual power. The influence of the word of God (the Ten Commandments) working in us and through us is moral power. The influence of our health, wealth and resources for the Church of Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God is physical power. The courage to succeed is the courage to influence! Dr. King influenced many, not only in a leadership capacity (In 1957 he was elected president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference) but in the capacity of courage! He was assassinated April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee but his accomplishments and courage to succeed still lives.
Today, as we pray for leadership, let us pray for courageous leadership. I’m talking about leadership with the courage to stand for righteousness and truth as revealed in the Holy Bible. Finally, my prayer for you also is the same as the above. I pray you will have the courage to stand strong in your faith in Jesus Christ and walk in integrity. Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world! Thank God for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from whom we have access to the courage to succeed!
Thanks for such a wonderfu and timely article. I have been with you to preach the gospel in many places but I never considered myself courageous. I used to say I’m not courageous I’m just obedient but the Lord spoke to me recently and said it takes courage to be obedient. What an eye opener for me. I began to look back over my life and realize that I have been courageous from my youth! In fact courage has been a constant in my life. Jesus Christ has surely given to me the courage to suceed even when I didn’t think I had any. I am more determined than ever to keep obeying God and to be strong and very courageous!
Pastor Phyllis I have witnessed your courage many times at home and abroad. I thank God for you. You are a key part of the “success package” God has given for my life!
Great word, thanks for reminding us of the importance of having courage in this world!
Awesome word Bishop! The more I hear the WORD preached and taught at Faith Harvest Church I’m impowered and strengthen. But to read what the LORD has bless you to share with the WORLD has impacted me to continue to stand strong and to be COURAGEOUS in the face of adversity.
God Bless you Bishop for your stedfastness , and your God given strenghth!!!! Praise God!!