Class-A Citizenship
Poem★★★★A judge in a New York City court was explaining to a Negro why he must be patient about getting his rights as a real citizen of the United States. Better race relations, the judge declared, would require years of education, progress, and understanding. 372 NEW SERMON. ILLUSTRATIONS ?
“But I want Class-A citizenship now,’ replied the man, “for myself, for my family, for my people.” Class-A citizenship now! That is what all the dis- inherited peoples of the earth are asking for. The judge had a large measure of truth on his side, but often we overdo the idea of patience when we think of progress and education, making it an alibi for procrastination.
The prayer of the New Testament Christians was “Come, Lord Jesus.” And the answer of the Spirit was, “Surely I come quickly.” We can do much to help in- crease the tempo of religion, and to shorten the days till God’s Kingdom comes. Daring, adventure, and zeal are needed right now, when a bewildered world is waiting for the church’s leadership in bringing a better age into being.
The point
A young Black man demands Class-A citizenship now, not patience. Applied to Christians: we too should have urgency and daring to bring God's kingdom now, not procrastinate.