#SELMAFilm and a Leadership Challenge

Aside from Jesus and maybe the Apostle Paul, there is no leader who has inspired me more than Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As a young person, I heard stories about his bravery, charisma, and courageous influence. While visiting The Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change year after year as a college student, I intensely watched his face and listened to his words. At times, hearing and listening does so much more than reading. Listening to life changing words can change us deeply. That change can resonate all the way through our souls and down to our feet. The hope and promise of change is what caused so many to follow him. The hope and promise of change is what caused so many to stand up or sit down in the case of civil rights soldier Rosa Parks. The hope and promise of change is what caused so many to march.

Here again, a historical and relevant movie is upon us at a time when America is so desperately in need of hope and the promise of change. That movie is SELMA, and it opens in theaters nation-wide this weekend. I encourage you to go see it and we will talk about it next week.

The Official Movie Trailer

I have been watching interviews leading up to the movie’s release. A few days ago, I listened and meditated on the words of the song “Glory” from the #SELMAFilm soundtrack. I found myself drawn to tears, particularly after changing the words a little bit to reflect the truth that I know.

“One day, when the morning comes, it [glory] will be ours. He will be ours. One day when the war is won, we will be sure. We will be sure.”

I serve a risen Savior, and without a shadow of doubt in my mind, I know that He is coming back again. And I know who wins this war between good and evil, light and darkness. In the meantime, his followers are called, commanded, encouraged, and strengthened to labor until His return. We are called to stand on his Word. Glory! We are called to shine light where there is darkness. Glory! We are called to speak truth when there are lies. Glory! We are called to be spiritually and socially awake when others are sleeping. Glory! Glory, it will be ours. It will be ours.

Today’s leadership challenge and meditation:

For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a man is an idolator—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. For, you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness and truth) and the find out what pleases the Lord. Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness but rather expose them. For it is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light becomes visible for it is light that makes everything visible. This is why it is said:

“Wake up, O sleeper,

Rise from the dead,

And Christ will shine on you.”

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Ephesians 5:5-16, NIV

Concerning the cultural and social issues of our day, have you sought to find out what pleases the Lord? How are you making the most of every opportunity to expose the deeds of darkness and shine light in your church and community?

© Natasha Sistrunk Robinson 2015