CONFORMITY? or COMPROMISE? or endless COMBATIVENESS?

By Dr. Michael Sprague

I have been pondering of late the issue of counting the cost of following our Lord or at least the coming greater cost that seems to be on the horizon. The book of Daniel has been a gift to me in this endeavor. Some choose Scaredy-Cat Christianity, which often plays out with CONFORMITY or COMPROMISE or endless COMBATIVENESS with the culture. Daniel chose to ENGAGE in faith with a REDEMPTIVE PRESENCE.

Martin Luther King had these same choices late one evening in January 1956. At the age of twenty-seven this young pastor said “Yes” to leading a spiritual cause much bigger than himself in Montgomery, Alabama. Immediately, he received death threats. One call really unnerved him. After being called the N-word, an ugly voice said, “We are tired of you and your mess now. And if you aren’t out of this town in three days, we’re going to blow your brains out and blow up your house.” As he thought of his wife and child, he wondered if the effort was worth the risk.

He thought about calling his Pastor father or his mother but he chose another path. MLK said this, “Something said to me, you can’t call your Daddy now, he’s up in Atlanta a hundred and seventy-five miles away. You can’t call on Mama now. You’ve got to call on that something in that person Daddy used to tell you about. That power that can make a way out of no way.” He bowed his head and asked God for help. “And it seemed at that moment that I could hear an inner voice saying to me, “Martin Luther, stand up for righteousness, stand up for justice, stand up for truth. And I will be with you, even to the end of the world.”

MLK found himself fortified afresh and did make his mark on the world. He would continue to wrestle with fear, but as he would retell that kitchen story he said, “Living every day under extensive criticisms… I feel discouraged sometimes… and feel my works in vain. But then the Holy Spirit revives my soul again.”

Today may you and I experience that same Spirit that revived and fortified Daniel and Dr. Martin Luther King. Do not shrink back. By faith, fulfill your callings. May you stand up for truth with a redemptive presence.

Dr. Michael Sprague is the Louisiana State Chaplain with the Capitol Commission and President of Grace Adventures. Michael does life with his wonderful wife Donna and resides in Mandeville, LA. His motto is “Bet the Farm on God.” You can find more information about Michael here.

Feature Photo by Inspiration Boost