A call to surrender

BY AUDREY M. TODD (M.Div./M.A.C.E. 2010)

As we reflect on the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we must admit that as a nation, we are experiencing dark times. With hate rallies, increased vitriol, communities under attack, and inhospitable daily interactions, our nation is becoming unrecognizable. Once a country of progress and hope, now a growing sense of foreboding clouds the atmosphere.  In his book entitled, “Strength to Love,” Dr. King observes that “It is midnight in the social order.” The church must be clear about its role and its response because the world is watching.

Drawing from the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5:43-45 (NRSV), Dr. King reminds us that we are to love our enemies. “You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy, ‘But I say to you, love your enemies, and bless those who curse you, do good to those that hate you….” In the face of hate; only love can do that.” Not every offense requires a Utopian dreamer, the command to love one’s enemy is an absolute necessity for our survival.” Perhaps 50 years ago it was possible to love your enemies because the Word of God had more authority. Unfortunately, today it seems less so.

Dr. King leaves us with these words:  “[Jesus] realized that every genuine expression of love grows out of a consistent and total surrender to God…. Our responsibility as Christians is to discover the meaning of this command and seek passionately to live it out in our daily lives.” Have you totally surrendered?