Everywhere we look in today's world, the United States is remembering a civil rights leader who stood for peace and unity. Those ideals are such a stark contrast to much of what fills our every day lives. When we consider his words and his life, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s every day most likely shared many of today's problems. He fought with kindness for change in a hate-filled world. As I reflect on the impact his life left, I wonder how far we've actually progressed since his time. Absolutely, some aspects of life that have changed for the better but for other things, we've just scratched the surface of change and understanding.
I am encouraged by this passage for a number of reasons. First, the author is aware of our humanity and our tendency to not follow these God's will, which is part of his desire to remind us of these things. Second, we are given a simple, grace-filled way to approach the world. Through reflection of verse 17, I interpret this passage to mean: 1) We are called to honor everyone, as fellow humans, as creations of the Master Craftsman. However, we are not expected to honor an evil person in the same way we honor a religious leader, for example. Furthermore, we are also called not to judge others (but that's not in this passage, I'm just dropping it in as bonus). Life experience has brought to reality the quote, "Every saint has a past and every sinner a future." 2) To love the family of believers is to keep a special place in your heart for fellow Christians. These are the people you experience the community of faith with, you worship with them, you pray for them, you lean on them in times of trial, and share your joys as one body. 3) Next we come to fearing God. I feel it is important to think beyond the commonly accepted definition of "fear" to mean "to be afraid of." This phrase tells us instead, I think, to not become too informal with our idea of God. His power is mighty, great, all-encompassing, omnipotent. It is through only His saving grace and the sacrifice of His Son that we can be born again into His kingdom. 4) Lastly, is the phrase honor the king. Again, important to think in the context of the time and not blatantly disregard this statement because the United States doesn't have a king. In putting "king" into a context that fits our situation - a country's leader - this still applies to us. We don't have to agree with the persons in power that represent our country (and there are many guiding the US specifically) or even necessarily like them. We each have a role to play in the redemption of this fallen world and it is an outward practice of compassion to show respect to these leaders and submit them in prayer to our Holy Father, that He may guide their hands and hearts.
These thoughts are simply mine, but I find similar notions reflected in much of the work of Martin Luther King, Jr. One of his most famous quotes says, "Darkness cannot drive our darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that." So today, I reflect on how I can continue to train my heart, my imperfect humanity, to live in such a way that I honor God in all I do.
