‘Good faith’ is an “abstract and comprehensive term that encompasses a sincere belief or motive without any malice of the desire to defraud others.” Sometimes in referring to faith, we say that we make a demand on heaven’s storehouse, and the promises of God could be seen as a check written on the bank of heaven. Many times when referring to a scripture like John 14:12, we might say, “God has given you a signed, blank check.” But in this world in which we live, often times there are bad checks. And bad checks are annoying. If you have ever received one, you can understand why the recipient of one could easily be outraged.

Recall today Dr. King’s faith, on behalf of all black Americans, when he came to the nation’s capital to cash a check. Even though the check was bad and the Bank of America had “defaulted on this promissory note as far as her citizens of color are concerned,” Dr. King still had faith in the “good faith” check or “the magnificent words” framed by the founding fathers of this nation. He didn’t rip the check and curse the bank! No, he eloquently and with great dignity went to the bank refusing to believe that “bank of justice is bankrupt” and that the “great vaults of opportunity of this nation” had “insufficient funds.” Talk about faith, King continued in his infamous speech, “We have come to cash this check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice.”

Sad to say that not everyone in this nation has been dealt the same hand, but I think in remembering Dr. King’s legacy, it is important for us to follow his example and not lose faith in the ideals set out in the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. The term that I think describes the ideals best is Judaeo-Christian values meaning values gleaned from the truths of the Bible. More importantly, despite the hand of injustice Dr. King had received, he gained and exhibited a faith that would open any door. So today, I would like to leave you with one phrase from his speech that speaks volumes about the tenacity and faith that Dr. King had: “upon demand.” Dr. King knew the riches were securely kept in the bank, but he well understood too that they would remain in the vault until a demand was made! Let’s take a fresh look at God’s Word and find the many promises within. There is a blessing with your name on it!

“I Have a Dream …” Speech by Rev. Martin Luther King