There is a picture of Malcolm X standing by a window of his home, peering through the curtains, and holding a weapon. At the top of that picture the words are written big and bold, “BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY”. Some people view that picture and statement in a negative connotation, but I don’t. I view them as a man who takes a stand to do whatever it takes to protect the well-being of his family and his home. If it meant staying up late, guarding his home, making sure his wife and children are safe, and being the protector of his family, then it must be done!
“By any means necessary” is a profound statement. I believe it’s an attitude that means going the distance, pushing past oppositions and barriers no matter how difficult they may be in order to meet a goal or objective. It’s means determination!
In today’s passage, we see an example of men who have a “by any means necessary” attitude.
“Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a sleeping mat. They tried to take him inside to Jesus, but they couldn’t reach him because of the crowd. So they went up to the roof and took off some tiles. Then they lowered the sick man on his mat down into the crowd, right in front of Jesus. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the man, ‘Young man, your sins are forgiven.’” (Luke 5:18-20,NLT)
These men sought to make their way to Jesus. They were bound by a common goal: to get their friend to Jesus so he can be healed. These friends were bold, courageous, and creative in their efforts to get to Jesus. They didn’t worry about the obstacles, the penalty for damaging another person’s property, or the crowd. Nothing could stand in their way, not the people and not barriers. These men had an agenda. Get to Jesus no matter what!
Jesus was in town and this was the right time for their friend to be healed. They were determined to reach their goal. So, when they couldn’t get pass the crowd, with resourcefulness, they found another way. Without focusing on what others would say, these friends made their way to Jesus and it didn’t matter what or who stood in their way. They had a “by any means necessary” attitude.
They were fearless and daring, and with a lot of courage they made up their mind that their friend would see Jesus and be healed on that day. Their faith in Jesus and their love for their friend made them push, strain, press their way in spite of difficulties. They believed once Jesus saw their friend, He would have compassion on him and heal him. And Jesus did just that!
Sisters, wouldn’t it be nice to have someone who would go the distance with us? Wouldn’t it be nice to have someone who would be bold, daring, and courageous for us? Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have someone who would carry us to our deliverance, to our healing, and to our breakthrough? Wouldn’t it be great to have someone in our corner that has a “by any means necessary” attitude when it comes to making us a better person?
Well, sisters, we do! We do have someone who went the distance to give us eternal life! We have someone who was and is fearless, heroic, and courageous in His love for us! There is someone who carries us when we are weak and weary on this Christian journey! Yes, sisters! We have someone who broke barriers, pushed past oppositions, and ultimately gave His life just to prove His love for us!!
Sisters, we have someone and His name is Jesus! What a sweet name. Jesus is someone who has a “by any means necessary” attitude concerning His love for us. Daily, Jesus goes out of His way to show us that He loves us. Daily, Jesus says, “No matter what, I will display my love for mankind.”
Can we say the same about ourselves? Do we have that same determination in showing our love for the Savior? After all, He proves His love for us time and time again. Isn’t it time for us to do the same? Isn’t time for you and I to courageously lend a helping hand to our fellow brothers and sisters who find themselves weak and without hope?
Sisters, let’s stand up! Take a stand! Go the distance! Have a “by any means necessary” love for the Father and for one another. Let’s hold nothing back as we express our love for God.
LET’S WALK IN FREEDOM TOGETHER & IMPACT THE WORLD!
*Originally posted 3/08/12.
Rhovonda L. Brown is speaker and author of two bestsellers, Walking in Freedom!: A Thirty-Day Devotional Journey for Women and At Least Say, “Thank You!”: An 8-Day Devotional Plan for a Grateful Heart.
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