“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Few quotations in American history are as widely recognized as these words from Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered more than half a century ago on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Yesterday, the nation paused to honor Dr. King—remembering his life, his leadership, and his sacrifice. Federal offices closed, tributes were offered, and documentaries and programs revisited his enduring legacy. Yet one thoughtful observation bears repeating: it is far too easy to remember Dr. King the man while forgetting the message he proclaimed.
Perhaps the best way to honor him is to reflect again on his words—particularly those that point us to the importance of character.
Regarding education, Dr. King once said, “Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.” In a culture that prizes achievement, credentials, and success, he reminded us that character must accompany knowledge.
He also observed, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Character, in other words, is revealed not when life is easy, but when it is costly to do what is right.
In The Testament of Hope, Dr. King famously wrote, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” These words continue to challenge our instincts and call us to a higher moral ground
Speaking to the issue of conscience and ethics, he offered this sobering counsel, “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”
Martin Luther King encouraged others to serve, work, and use whatever talents, abilities, or opportunities they possessed. He said, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
“If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.”
All of these quotes speak to some aspect of one’s character. Of moral qualities. Ethical standards. Honor and integrity.
Indeed, character is the foundation of all other qualities. Goodness. Virtue. Honesty. Courage. Purity. All of these and more are the fruit produced from the root of character. They are the handiwork of thoughts, influences, and relationships. The wise man wrote, “As he thinks in his heart so is he” (Prov 23:7).
It is often in the crucible of conflict, hardship, and struggle that character is molded and refined. That’s why the apostle Paul wrote, “…We also rejoice in sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance, character, and hope. And hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit…” (Rom. 5:3-5)
As we reflect on the message of character, here are three questions to consider:
What is the content of my character?
Do my attitudes and actions pass the “character test”?
Do I need a course correction regarding character?
As Dr. King once said, “The time is always right to do what is right.” This character challenge speaks to the essence of his message to all races, but, importantly, honors the God who created us in His image.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
(Editor’s Note: This post originally appeared in January 2016 and is being reblogged this week while I focus on some special sermon preparation. Though written 10 years ago, its message remains timeless. BTW, these original posts have been edited by Grammarly and ChatGPT. #2016)
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