“For this reason, I left you in Crete… For there are many rebellious people, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of dishonest gain.” (Titus 1:1a and 10-11 NASB)
Sunday morning, I listened to one of the masterful sermons online, a magnificent message delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. His sermon was entitled, “Paul’s Letter to American Christians.” I cannot implicate it, replicate it, duplicate its content, or imitate the style of this great civil rights leader. All I can say is that his message is still applicable today, and maybe even more so.
Similarly but in different terms, let me tell you in view of all the rebellion against God today and His church; in the midst of times where people want their ears tickled but they remain deaf to the truth; in these times where mankind is focusing on going beyond the highest heights in our atmosphere, and beyond the stratosphere, higher than the targets in space that nations raced to in the 1960’s, and during a period in that will go down in history showing where many people in influential places are still disregarding the One who created all things throughout the universe; in these days where technological advancements have truthfully interfered with making the advancement of the church an advantageous priority; in the days of our life where personal material acquisition is magnifying, increasingly valued over individual spiritual advancement; in this era where in error, a focus is on division among people as opposed to unity among all people, let me tell you that in view of all this, like Paul had left Titus in Crete to stand up for the truth and cancel the impact of those interested in personal gain, rather perpetuating the reign of Christ in the hearts of all men, we must remember that we have been left here for a purpose.
That was a long sentence, so if you skipped it, scanned through it, or some of it you will swiftly forget, remember Christian friends, we have been left here for a purpose, wherever we live; regardless of our geographical location, regardless of our social classification, regardless if we are economically rich or enduring poverty, and notwithstanding of our racial identity. We have been left here for a purpose. Of course, we need to fulfill our purpose and advance, build up the kingdom of God. We can do that with love.
I know that this is your Tuesday meditation, perhaps published a day late, seeing how Monday was the national Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. Perhaps, but this is a specifically, specific message, sent specifically to you, for a specific purpose at this specific time. So, perhaps, it is not really late at all. The message to remember, my friend is that you have been left here for a purpose. You are special and the Lord needs you to stand up for righteousness, be His witnesses, and to love one another. According to the closing quote by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., love is the best option. Have a good day! Remember your purpose! Be blessed!
“I have decided to choose love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.)
Committed to the climb,
Dr. Mark L. King