There is an unfortunate history and a present-day reality of oppression in our country. We know that this is not just a reality in our country but around the world. However, when I think about our ability to create change, it seems less overwhelming to do it right where we are planted. It is important to view ourselves in this way: planted. God has created us and placed us in times such as these. As followers of Jesus Christ with a passion to share the love of Jesus with all, we can make the soil around us vitamin rich and ready for good things.
One of the ways in which we can do that is to humble ourselves and take on the mind of a servant. This is what Jesus did. In Mark 10:42-45 Jesus says, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave to everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” In the days we are living in, words like servant and slave carry with them a negative and heavy burden. Especially given this month, Black History Month, it is easy to draw our minds to the oppression and evils that were done to those who were forced into servitude and slavery. But Black History Month is about more than just freedom from slavery; it is about the rising of a people who with all odds weighing heavily against them broke free of the many chains that devalued them. Those chains include, and are not limited to, lack of access to education, health care, housing, job opportunities, and lack of ability to make their own choices. However, when given the option, it is that choice that takes the negativity and heavy burden away from servitude and slavery. You see, when serving others is a choice and nothing someone forced upon you, it is a powerful witness to the love of Jesus Christ in all and through all. No one should have to fight for worthiness in this world, because Christ has already done that. As servants of Christ, we help to remind people of that truth.
This month, I want you to focus on the choices you have to serve your community and witness to the love of Jesus. This month and beyond, we commit to continuing the fight against slavery all over the world. We will lift up a life of “chosen” service to God, who uses those choices to balance out the system of power in the world and give equal opportunity to all, dignity to all, love to all, choice to all. How will you serve others today?
From one light to another,
Pastor Hannah Loughman
Photo by GPA Photo Archive