Dr. Martin Luther King was a man dedicated to public service. He was selfless and other-centered. To honor his life and birth on his day should be to mimic a characteristic that he embodied: giving back to his community.
The other day, I read my children the parable of the Good Samaritan. What has stuck with me are these words: “Love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27b, NIV)” One of the best examples that comes to mind of someone that knew exactly who his neighbor was and loved them as himself was Dr. King. Today ask yourself the following questions, and seek to honor a life well lived and a man who died while serving.
- What are the needs in my community?
- What are some things that I can do today to help my neighbor?
- What are some ways I can use my talents to serve others in need?
- How can I teach my children that service to others is not optional, but should be mandatory?
I know that I personally can serve others better than I do. I also realize that doing good increases self-satisfaction and happiness. If you would like to share your plan of service we would love to read about it.
Dr. King once said, ““Whatever your life’s work is, do it well. A man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.”*
