How many of us believe that our lives are stirring enough to ignite a movement? How many of us dream in these terms? Or, do we often find ourselves discouraged by the injustice that surrounds us?
Recently, I asked a prominent evangelical leader why we tolerated the unjust treatment of egalitarians within an institution where we both serve. He replied with some resignation, “Mimi, you’ll never change things. I suggest you put your efforts where they count.” I responded, “These are precisely the challenges I am most drawn to!” If a situation is unjust, that is a sufficient call from God to work for change! To suggest that efforts aimed at redressing injustice will fail is to underestimate the power of God.
Thankfully, history is full of examples of people who refused to tolerate the status quo. Gladys Alyward refused to be deterred from her call to ministry in China, even when a prominent missions organization rejected her application. She knew that God’s call was stronger than human rejection. Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on the bus, and her righteous indignation led to a global reform. Each year hundreds of thousands of people around the world march to raise awareness about deadly diseases. Their corporate efforts have led to great success in finding cures.
Where there is a need, there is a call. And every authentic call is accompanied by the power of God! This was certainly the case with the abolitionists, and it is the case of egalitarians too.
Our indignation is part of our call—it drives on onward. And, like Gladys and Rosa and all those who press on for the sake of the gospel, for justice, and for healing, we will not turn back—not now, not ever.
