Martin Luther King, Jr.-Rule of Life
Posted by georgelinney on February 11, 2008
Martin Luther King, Jr.-Rule of Life King had a certain way of acting in the world and he expected those who demonstrated during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s to behave in a certain manner. He modeled this concept of a Rule of Life after Saint Benedict’s Rule of Life for the monastic order that Benedict founded, the Benedictines, which understood that Brothers who pray together and share their life with one another are doing the work of Christ. Here was Martin Luther King’s Rule of Life for every demonstrator before they could participate: Ø Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.Ø Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.Ø Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.Ø Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.Ø Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all might be free.Ø Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.Ø Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.Ø Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, and heart.Ø Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.Ø Follow the directions of the movement and the captains of a demonstration.
Do you have a Rule of Life?
What are the most important rules that you follow in your daily life? Be as specific as possible.
What else might you include in a Rule of Life? Name at least three possible things you could add to your Rule of Life?
