The night before he was assassinated, Dr. King declared,
"Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will."
I ask myself, how would I live and lead others if, like Dr. King, I just want to do God's will?
I would accept that I have limited time. I don't know how much time. King had one more day. As he did, I would surrender to that which I can't control, including how much time I am given on this earth.
"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now."
I would accept that though I will continue to struggle I will not live to see the fruits of my labor. Much of what I have worked for will not be achieved in my lifetime. The work continues after I am gone.
"I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. . . I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you."
I would offer hope to those who remain behind by encouraging them with my faith.
"But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land."
And I would share my vision of what I see.
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!"
I would show courage in facing death as fearlessly as I could.
"I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind . . . I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. . . . I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man."