An enduring lesson from the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. …

I was surprised this morning on the drive in to the ministry office with how many people are working today. This being California, and today being Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a federal holiday, I thought it more likely I would be among the few putting in some time at work.

This holiday was first observed in 1986 (signed into law in 1983), but since then it seems we’re still unsure if it’s a day to take off work, or something to commemorate while still putting in the hours.

However you might take note of this day designated as a time to honor the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., there’s an enduring lesson we can learn from his life.

First, let’s recall why this man, a minister of the Gospel, has a day in America set aside in his honor. Martin Luther King, Jr. played a pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement, advocating for racial equality, justice, and nonviolent resistance, and the federal holiday honors his legacy in advancing civil rights and promoting equality for all.

While there’s much we can learn from Dr. King’s example in spending his life in a non-violent battle for civil rights, an enduring lesson is the example of a man who had the courage of his convictions.

Oh we all have convictions of some sort, but few of us have the courage to live out our convictions in the steadfast manner Dr. King did.

That’s because having the courage to live out your convictions usually comes with a cost because it usually has a powerful impact on the lives of others. In addition to Dr. King’s life, an example of the impact made by living out one’s convictions was shared by the late R.C. Sprout in his excellent book, “The Holiness of God”:

A well-known professional golfer was playing in a tournament with President Gerald Ford, fellow pro Jack Nicklaus, and Billy Graham. After the round was over, one of the other pros on the tour asked, “Hey, what was it like playing with the President and Billy Graham?”

The pro said with disgust, “I don’t need Billy Graham stuffing religion down my throat!”

With that he headed for the practice tee. His friend followed, and after the golfer had pounded out his fury on a bucket of golf balls, he asked, “Was Billy a little rough on you out there?”

The pro sighed and said with embarrassment, “No, he didn’t even mention religion.”

Astonishingly, Billy Graham had said nothing about God, Jesus, or religion, yet the pro stomped away after the game accusing Billy of trying to ram religion down his throat.

Graham didn’t have to say anything to the golfer because he so courageously and consistently lived out his convictions that anyone who knew Graham understood what they were, and what (who) he stood for without him having to preach to them.

The same is true about Dr. King. If you think about the civil rights movement, and the pursuit of justice for all, you may automatically think, “Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.”

So how about you, are living out the courage of your convictions? What would others who know you say yourlife, steadfastly and consistently, stands for?

Scotty