Earlier this month we marked the anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King's death, or should I say his assassination, in Memphis, TN. Hours have been spent on radio and television commemorating the event. Articles, some at great length, have been written about what this Baptist preacher accomplished not only for his race but for the problem of segregation we have in America.
What never seems to be mentioned is what context, motivation and background motivated this great man. Sure, he was a Baptist preacher, but what made him do what he did, say what he said, motivated this man?
He was grounded and motivated by the very basic teachings of Christianity. He was so committed to these teachings that he was willing to lay his life down for them, and did. What are these teachings? Let me list just a few:
Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called sons of God.
Those who take to the sword will perish by the sword.
Love your enemies, do good to them that hate and persecute you.
Overcome evil with good.
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Owe no man anything but to love one another.
Be your brother's keeper.
Follow after love, desire spiritual gifts that you may prophesy.
Without quoting more that made Martin Luther King the man he was, for those who are interested, the words of the Apostle Paul sum up who he was and why he did what he did. For those interested in pursuing what made this man the man he was, please read Ephesians 6:10-20
Rev. Earl R. Modean, Bend
