Lesson Four:The Golden Rule
Devotion #1: Be Radical
Dr. Randy T. Johnson

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

 

At first glance, the verse seems basic to all religions:

  • Buddhism – Treat not others in ways that you yourself would find hurtful.

  • Confucianism – One word which sums up the basis of all good conduct: loving-kindness. Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself.

  • Hinduism – This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.

  • Judaism (Talmud) – What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbor. This is the whole Torah; all the rest is commentary. Go and learn it.

 

All these religions teach a Silver Rule. They teach that we should not do to others what we would not done to us. Even a person who does not acknowledge God normally raises their child with the concept that if you do not want it done to you, do not do it to others. This is a great principle of life. It is logical. It makes sense. It should be the norm.

However, the Silver Rule is passive. The common phrase is “do not.” The Golden Rule is a step up. It is the principle of doing unto others what we would want done to us. It is active. This is radical. God calls us to a higher standard.

Jesus did not call His followers to just survive. We are to thrive. We are to make a difference in the world. Those who encounter us should be better off from having met us. There are several ways this can be done each day:

  • Be courteous in traffic
  • Encourage others
  • Practice empathy
  • Give people the benefit of the doubt
  • Be friendly, smile
  • Listen to others
  • Forgive
  • Express gratitude
  • Pay it forward
  • Be kind

Please note: Jesus’ command is more than just doing good things. This does not clear the slate in God’s list of our good and bad deeds. Positive actions do not tip the scale in our favor. Followers of Jesus should not do good things to go to Heaven but because they are going to Heaven. Hopefully, the Golden Rule lifestyle will be so attractive that others will be drawn to Jesus.

Live the Silver Rule and take it up a notch to the Golden Rule.

Be radical.