Oh, FreedomSample

In the press for freedom, children have borne many costs. Children joined marches, sang Freedom Songs, and ended up in jails during protests for human rights. As an adult, Linda Brown Thompson recalled how her father, a minister in Topeka, Kansas, became one of several plaintiffs in Brown v. Board of Education. Parents sought equal access to decent school buildings, books, and supplies. The US Supreme Court tried to remedy some inequities by ending legalized school segregation. However, before her death in 2018, Linda challenged us to consider these results: Black children were uprooted from their welcoming schools, good Black teachers and administrators lost their jobs, and many families suffered immense frustration, ridicule, and isolation. Free education came with sacrifice.

Suffering for others’ sake is a common thread in the beautiful tapestry of God’s plan of redemption for all. The faithful sacrifice of some resulting in the benefit of others correlates with Jesus valuing us above Himself, taking on the role of a servant. Our Savior put down His divine power, privilege, and position. He bore the cost of our redemption by emptying Himself. He modeled this for His followers.

Without Christ’s humility, we would not enjoy the freedoms we now have. Are there ways we are willing to suffer for others’ sake? Is there something Christ followers need to set down, step away from, or give up, for the greater good? -Santes Beatty

Prayer: God, help me to show gratitude for your sacrifice for me, and give me courage to humble myself for others.