On this day, when we set aside a holiday in honor of the life and work of Martin Luther King, Jr., I thought it would be helpful to share the rule of life by which he lived. We often remember people, and rightly so, for the work of their life. But that work is usually a fruit of their way of life.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and his rule of life:
- Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
- Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.
- Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
- Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
- Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
- Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.
- Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
- Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
- Follow the directions of the movement and the captain of a demonstration. (from Marjorie Thompson’s Soul Feast (Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 1995, 2005, p. 148).
What convictions and practices guide your life day-by-day, week-by-week and month-by-month? How would you write such a rule of life for yourself in this new year?
Buy a copy of Soul Feast at Amazon.com
[...] into Martin Luther King Jr quotes in my readings, so here’s some of his last words, his rule of life, and my favourite quotes! “I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to [...]
[...] “Martin Luther King: His Rule of Life” – Interestingly enough, yesterday’s post has been the most visited of the month. I shared about Martin Luther King’s personal rule of life. We often recognize the work of a person’s life without realizing the way of life that gave birth to it. [...]