BE THE FIRST

Photo taken from the FDR Memorial in Washington DC

“We all have the drum major instinct. We all want to be important, to surpass others, to achieve distinction, to lead the parade. … And the great issue of life is to harness the drum major instinct. It is a good instinct if you don’t distort it and pervert it. Don’t give it up. Keep feeling the need for being important. Keep feeling the need for being first. But I want you to be the first in love. I want you to be the first in moral excellence. I want you to be the first in generosity.”

Quote by Rev. Martin Luther King from his Sermon at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta on February 2nd, 1968.

REFLECTION:

  • Today as we honor the Rev. Martin Luther King, may his words remind us of what matters… what to strive to be first in. 
  • What does first in love look like to you today… right now?
  • What is moral excellence for you?
  • How can you be more generous today?