Dangerous Unselfishness: Forty Years Ago Today

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. died, the victim of a coward's act, forty years ago today. We do well by remembering his life, his work, his words and his dream for our nation.

"Now we're going to march again, and we've got to march again, in order to put the issue where it is supposed to be. And force everybody to see that there are thirteen hundred of God's children here suffering, sometimes going hungry, going through dark and dreary nights wondering how this thing is going to come out. That's the issue. And we've got to say to the nation: we know it's coming out. For when people get caught up with that which is right and they are willing to sacrifice for it, there is no stopping point short of victory...

"Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness."

(from Rev. King's April 3rd, 1968 speech: I've been to the mountain top)

It is hard today not to wonder what the United States would be like had he not been cut down so early in his life...

He was 39 years old. Dr. King lost his life in Memphis, Tennessee while standing with striking sanitation workers.

He had not planned to detour from his work on the upcoming Poor People's March on Washington.

But, when his brothers called from Memphis, he decided to respond to their plea for help. It cost him his life.

"Now these are some practical things we can do. We begin the process of building a greater economic base. And at the same time, we are putting pressure where it really hurts. I ask you to follow through here.

"Now, let me say as I move to my conclusion that we've got to give ourselves to this struggle until the end. Nothing would be more tragic than to stop at this point, in Memphis. We've got to see it through. And when we have our march, you need to be there. Be concerned about your brother. You may not be on strike. But either we go up together, or we go down together."

(from Rev. King's April 3rd, 1968 speech: I've been to the mountain top)

Your reactions are always important. Tell us what you think and feel. Forty years later the impact of his sacrifice is still very evident.

And so the first question that the Levite asked was, "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?"

But then the Good Samaritan came by. And he reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?"

That's the question before you tonight.

Not, "If I stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to all of the hours that I usually spend in my office every day and every week as a pastor?"

The question is not, "If I stop to help this man in need, what will happen to me?"

"If I do not stop to help the sanitation workers, what will happen to them?"

That's the question.

Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a better nation.

And I want to thank God, once more, for allowing me to be here with you.

(from Rev. King's April 3rd, 1968 speech: I've been to the mountain top)