The Drum Major Instinct
A timely recap from Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King for today’s chaotic world
The current situation in the world and in the United States has become a powder keg waiting to explode. In 1968, this speech from the Reverend King highlighted some of the issues such as racism, economics, and elitism that he warned many of the dangers if not controlled. Ironically, his speech is more relevant today than ever with the same themes and warnings. Unfortunately, many have ignored the warning signs and now we are experiencing the fallout. With King’s speech, it provides you with something to think about, absorb each word and phrase, and think of its relevance in your life.
Without further delay, “The Drum Major Instinct”.
King’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon, given on 4 February 1968, was an adaptation of the 1952 homily ‘‘Drum-Major Instincts’’ by J. Wallace Hamilton, a well-known, liberal, white Methodist preacher. King encouraged his congregation to seek greatness, but to do so through service and love. King concluded the sermon by imagining his own funeral, downplaying his famous achievements and emphasizing his heart to do right.
This morning I would like to use as a subject from which to preach: “The Drum Major Instinct.” “The Drum Major Instinct.” And our text for the morning is…
