29 Aug, 2008
"I have a dream..."
Do not let your dreams be discouraged just because you are young.
On 28 August, 1963, Martin Luther King delivered his magnificent "I have a dream speech" on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington.
Below is part of "the dream"
"I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed - we hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal.
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave-owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.
I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the colour of their skin but by the content of their character.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification; one day right there in Alabama little black boys and little black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.
I have a dream today!
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
This is our hope. This is the faith that I will go back to the South with. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope.
With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.
This will be the day, this will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning: "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring." And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true."
photo & story courtesy bbc.com, 08/28/08
1 Timothy 4:12 (NLT)
12 Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.
What does today's God's Story scripture teach us about what a young follower of Jesus can do?
Paul was a mentor to Timothy and gave him some great advice that every young believer should apply. Paul's challenge was to encourage Timothy to be a servant leader for God even though he was young. We don't know exactly how old Timothy was, but evidently some people thought he was too young to be a pastor. However, he had a "dream" to share the gospel.
It's pretty normal for older Christians to look down on young people because they are...well you know...YOUNG! If older people are used to seeing immaturity in young people, it's easy for them to hold back on their trust of what young people can do.
Are you ready and willing to give the world a new perspective on young people?
Paul is teaching that younger Christians need to earn the respect of their elders by showing maturity. You can do this by being a Christ-like example in your talk, your love, your faith and through living a life of purity. No matter how old or young you are, God will use you to help build His Kingdom. He is simply waiting for you to live in such a way that the world around you will see Christ in you!
Martin Luther King Jr. had a great dream that seemed imposible to many. However, the way he carried himself and lead others caused many to follow behind him. If you have a dream God has given you do not allow yourself to be discouraged by others. Through your Christ-like actions prove to them the imposible.
You probably won't ever make the news for living for Christ and serving Him at a young age, but God will notice and use you to impact the world forever!
How can we connect today's God's Story scripture to our lives?
- Thank God that He uses everyone who is faithful to help build His Kingdom. Ask His Spirit to help you be faithful so that you might bring honor and glory to God. Ask His Spirit to help you mature in Christ daily. Offer yourself to be used by God in any way He chooses. Ask God to help you be honest about your maturity level if older believers don't seem to trust you yet. Ask Him to help you be patient as you strive to earn their trust.
- Every day, remember that abiding in Christ means that you focus first on being like Jesus and then serving like Jesus.
- Look for a weekly opportunity to serve Jesus with maturity.
- Memorize today's verse as a reminder to trust God to use you no matter your age.
How can we connect today's story and God's Story and our story to others?
- Sit down with an older follower of Jesus and ask him or her to tell you their story about what the Lord has taught them about living for Christ. If you're real brave, ask this person to mentor you by holding you accountable in your process of maturing in Christ.
- Encourage your small group or youth group by sharing today's DAILYBIDE with them. It's OK to be young and make a difference!
- See if you can be creative in other ways to connect your story to their stories and to God's Story!
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