Today has been deemed a day of service, the third Monday in January celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This U.S. holiday is to honor the man who gave his life speaking truth to humanity to break the bonds of wickedness wherever he found them. It was his speaking out—from the pulpit or a podium or the pages of a letter, that challenged established ways and spurred us on for the betterment of us all. His speeches, leadership and organizing more than four decades ago still resonate to this day. Let’s move from reflection upon this great life to action to honor this great life. Serve someone today. Contribute to equity for all, whether you give money to a Haitian relief effort, serve food at a soup kitchen, speak against government injustice or change your mind to love. Serve someone today. But don’t just serve today.

As Christians, serving should be a regular part of our lives. We serve the greatest man to have ever walked this earth, and He is the King we honor above all: Jesus Christ. Our King told us to love God and to love our neighbor as ourselves. These commandments should be the driving force of our lives and make it our obligation to serve others just as Dr. King and our King gave their lives to do. Give yourself and make life better for us all. Serve always for Christ and His Kingdom.

Copyright 2010 by Rhonda J. Smith