Frederick Douglass spent his entire life fighting to end slavery in the United States. After English politician William Wilberforce accepted Christ, he led the fight that ended slavery in the British Empire. These men found a cause worth pursuing and refused to give up. Also, as the Apostle Paul neared the end of his celebrated career, he urged young protégé Timothy to never give up. “I solemnly urge you preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. . . .Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.” So today, let’s do as Paul did and urged Timothy to do: Use whatever gift God has given us to help fulfill Christ’s Kingdom agenda in our world.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
