The Golden Rule
Yes, the Golden Rule is actually in the Bible! Not only is it in the Bible, but Jesus said, "For this is the law and the prophets." What did Jesus mean by this?
12 Therefore
all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so
to them: for this is the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12, KJV
The Golden Rule
Yes, the Golden Rule is actually in the Bible! Not only is it in the Bible, but Jesus said, "For this is the law and the prophets." What did Jesus mean by this?
When you isolate the Golden Rule to its actual meaning you realize that
Jesus is saying that we need to be completely humble and unselfish
before our fellow man. After all, what is it that we would want others
to do for us?
We would want others to treat us fairly, would we not? We do not want
anyone to receive undue preference because they are rich, handsome, or
beautiful. We do not want anyone to receive undue preference because of
their race or even for their religious beliefs or lack of beliefs.
Unfortunately, that is not the way of man, is it? Since sin entered this
world, we have been on a roller coaster steeped in sin and evil. Rarely
is anyone treated fairly, whether in the courts, by our political
leaders, or even our friends. It seems that everyone has an agenda--an
agenda which supersedes our particular cares, desires, or needs.
But, before we get too far in our pontification, what about us? In our
heart of hearts, how do we treat our fellow man? Are we overly enamored
by another person's handsome face, open display of wealth, or fame? When
entering a room full of people, are we drawn to the obvious glamour of
some, while overlooking the everyday, common person sitting in the
corner.
Are we in the habit of rating other people, comparing their strengths
and weaknesses to ours? Is this person beneath us because of their
obvious lack of intelligence or their obvious lack of wealth?
Is that not the real problem? We certainly want everyone to apply the
Golden Rule to us, but we overlook the fact that we rarely apply the
same rule to them! How can we as believers in Christ overcome this
problem in our own hearts and lives?
As is often the case, it all comes down to the heart, does it not? How
do we view ourselves compared to God? When we stand before a holy and
righteous God, we see our own sin and inadequacies. Only then, can we
see that, before God, we have no greater standing than does our
neighbor. Before God, we are in one of two classes of people: we are
either redeemed by the blood of Christ, or we are lost for eternity.
And, that is the only standing that truly matters.
What good will our wealth, intelligence, winning personality, or
beautiful face do if we are lost for eternity? Let us, by the grace of
God, pray for strength and wisdom to truly treat others as we would
desire to be treated. Let us view them from the eyes of God, and seek to
show them the beautiful grace of our wonderful Lord and Savior, Jesus
Christ. That is why we are here!
Go, then, in the power of Christ, and live this day for His honor and glory, alone!
Devotional Reflections from the Bible
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.