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The Problem With Christians Posting About #MLKDay Without Doing the Work

The Problem With Christians Posting About #MLKDay Without Doing the Work

Every January, a flood of Martin Luther King Jr. quotes hits social media like clockwork.

“I have a dream.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

It’s a familiar routine, and on the surface, it’s a good one—a nod to a man who sacrificed everything for justice and equality. But if we’re honest, posting about MLK on his day without doing the work to advocate for racial justice? That’s performative allyship at best, and it misses the heart of his legacy.

Let’s be clear: This isn’t an indictment of honoring MLK. Reflecting on his life and work is essential. But as people of faith, we are called to move beyond reflection into action. King’s dream wasn’t a set of inspirational soundbites; it was a radical vision that demanded real, uncomfortable and sacrificial change. If your MLK Day begins and ends with a social media post, it’s worth asking: Is that truly honoring his legacy?

The Church’s Complicated History with MLK

It’s no secret that many churches, particularly white-led congregations, had a fraught relationship with MLK during his lifetime. While he is now celebrated as a hero of reconciliation, history tells a different story. Many pastors and Christian leaders openly opposed him, labeling him a troublemaker, a disruptor or worse. Others didn’t outright condemn him but urged him to slow down, to be patient—a polite way of maintaining the status quo.

Today, the rhetoric has changed, but some of the underlying issues remain. Churches will quote MLK’s words and host racial reconciliation events, but often shy away from confronting the systemic racism embedded in their own institutions. Diversity is celebrated on stage but rarely in leadership. Sermons may reference unity but avoid the harder conversations about equity and justice. If we’re not willing to address these realities, we risk reducing MLK’s message to a sanitized version of itself—safe, comfortable and ultimately ineffective.

The Difference Between Performative and Authentic Advocacy

Sharing a Martin Luther King Jr. quote isn’t inherently problematic. The issue arises when that’s all we do. Performative allyship—engaging in surface-level actions that look good but don’t lead to meaningful change—is a common trap, and Christians aren’t immune. It’s easy to share a post or attend a diversity panel. It’s much harder to examine how our own choices, habits and institutions perpetuate inequality.

Authentic advocacy, by contrast, is far less glamorous. It’s slow, difficult and often invisible. It means having uncomfortable conversations with your family, your coworkers or even your church leadership. It means stepping aside to let marginalized voices take the lead, even if that means relinquishing your own platform. It means educating yourself—without relying on your friends of color to do the heavy lifting for you. And yes, it means supporting policies and leaders who prioritize justice, even when it challenges your personal preferences.

Justice Is Central to the Gospel

Racial justice is not a political agenda that Christians can opt in or out of. It is central to the Gospel. When Jesus began his ministry, he declared, “The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” (Luke 4:18, NIV)

This was not a vague mission statement; it was a clear declaration of God’s priorities. Throughout his ministry, Jesus sided with the marginalized, confronted corrupt systems and called his followers to do the same. To follow Christ is to care about justice—not as an add-on to our faith, but as an essential expression of it.

As Christians, we are called to examine how our churches, communities and personal lives align with this mission. Have we made room for justice in our theology, or do we relegate it to the sidelines? Are we willing to confront the uncomfortable truths about how our own history and privilege intersect with racial inequality? These are hard questions, but they are necessary ones.

Moving Beyond Performative Gestures

So, how do we honor MLK’s legacy in a way that moves beyond performative gestures? Here are some steps to consider:

1. Educate Yourself

If your understanding of MLK’s work is limited to “I Have a Dream,” it’s time to dig deeper. Read his “Letter from Birmingham Jail” or explore his writings on economic justice and the Poor People’s Campaign. Engage with modern voices and scholars who continue his work, and challenge yourself to think critically about the systemic issues he fought against.

2. Examine Your Church

Take an honest look at your church’s practices and culture. Is diversity reflected in leadership, or is it confined to the worship team? Are sermons addressing systemic racism, or avoiding it? If your church falls short, don’t just complain; be part of the solution. Start conversations, propose changes and advocate for accountability.

Support Black Leaders and Organizations

MLK’s dream was not about centering white allies. It was about creating equity and amplifying marginalized voices. Support Black-owned businesses, donate to organizations doing the work of racial justice, and seek out opportunities to learn from and follow Black leaders in your community.

Be Willing to Be Uncomfortable

Growth and justice require discomfort. Whether it’s confronting your own biases, challenging the status quo in your workplace or church, or reckoning with the ways you’ve benefited from systemic privilege, the work of justice will stretch you. Embrace that discomfort as a sign of progress.

Commit for the Long Haul

Racial justice is not a one-time event or a seasonal trend. It is a lifelong commitment. MLK’s work was not limited to a single march or speech; it was an ongoing fight that cost him his life. While most of us won’t face the same sacrifices, we are still called to persevere in the pursuit of justice.

A Hopeful Vision for the Church

The Church has the potential to be a powerful force for justice. We’ve seen glimpses of what’s possible—churches reckoning with their histories, diverse communities coming together in solidarity, young leaders pushing for systemic change. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start.

If we’re willing to move beyond surface-level gestures and commit to authentic advocacy, the Church can embody the radical love and justice that Jesus modeled. Imagine a world where MLK’s dream isn’t just remembered but realized—where the Church leads the way in dismantling racism and building equity.

This MLK Day, let’s honor his legacy not just with our words but with our actions. Let’s commit to the hard, holy work of justice, so that the dream he fought for can finally become a reality.

© 2023 RELEVANT Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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