Monday Eye-Opener: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Image courtesy of US National Parks Service

“Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

This week begins with a celebration of the life and work of Dr. Martin Lither King, Jr. 

Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence was inspired by the nonviolent civil disobedience  of Mohandas Gandhi, who led India’s struggle for independence from Britain. Gandhi’s leadership was based on satyagraha, a Sanskrit word translated by some to mean “truth force.” Dr. King used the term “soul force” to describe a peaceful, compassionate and active force. 

We see examples in the Bible of civil disobedience:

When Pharaoh ordered the killing of male infant Hebrews, the midwives “feared God, and did not do as the king of Egypt had commanded them, but let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17) 

When Apostles Peter and John were arrested after Peter healed a man who could not walk, Peter said, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to give heed to you rather than to God, you be the judge; for we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” (Acts 4:19-20)

At another time, Peter tells the authorities, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29)

Dr. King reminds us that the means are as important as the goal. 

“Since we are working for the end of a non-violent society in this movement, we must use non-violent means and methods to get there.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., 1964 Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech.

In our adult Sunday School class this week, we talked about “soul work,” and remembered how God mends our broken, scattered pieces. Through “soul force,” God heals our broken world as well. When we work for reconciliation — ending racism, sexism, anti-LGBTQ discrimination or climate change — we have an opportunity to put soul force to work. 

Grateful for the example of Dr. King, and grateful for this day.

Have a blessed week!