Mom always said, “Treat others like you want to be treated.” As children, we tried to tell our side of the story. So, there was always a B-U-T. But he didn’t share with me yesterday. But he pushed me first. And for spitball bombardments and school bullies, we had to tell the teacher or another adult.
We were mad! But unlike James Brown, most often than not, there were no big paybacks or revenge.
Obeying Mom and the Golden Rule kept us out of a lot of trouble—especially with Mom, the keeper of the big switch.
But doesn’t The Golden Rule apply to adults too? Who do adults tell when they’re bullied? Lately, we’ve seen professed Christians who are angry curse louder than drunken sailors. They mimic child-like behaviors and dare others to knock chips off their shoulders. Fistfights break out. Males openly disrespect and challenge females. And these conflicts are the results of differences of opinion.
These days, people don’t agree on much—not even to disagree. Simply put, sometimes It isn’t easy to find an adult in the room. And it’s even harder to find one with Christian behaviors.
There’s a gross disregard for other people’s feelings, concerns, circumstances, and fundamental human rights. With all the public fistfights and name callings, this is a good time to revisit The Golden Rule.
The Golden Rule is the moral code to live with restraint, discipline, and within the realms of God’s ordinance.
The expression or phrase ‘The Golden Rule’ isn’t in the Bible. But Matthew 7:12 (ESV) is commonly referred to as The Golden Rule. “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
There is no higher moral code to live by for relationships, friendships, and neighborships than The Golden Rule.
The command is golden because it is the teaching of Christ who commands Christians to take the high road when others may take the low one. Jesus commands love, peace, humility, and forgiveness. Taking the low road of hate, prejudice, selfishness, and crime isn’t Christ-like.
As parents, we should remember that children learn good and bad habits from us and their peers. No one is exempted from this moral code. But only born-again Christians have the Spirit of Christ and the commitment to live by it.
The Golden Rule has everything to do with God. The rule is golden because of its great value. And those who obey The Golden Rule will reap great rewards from the supreme rewarder, God.
Peaceful relationships and interactions, even during disagreements, are possible when The Golden Rule is the discipline and prevailing spirit.
With The Golden Rule, there are no gray areas. There is no new normal. There is no alternative rule to please God.
We may call Matthews 7:12 The Golden Rule. But it is God’s word, which is better than gold.
Stay Safe.