Lesson Four: The Golden Rule
Devotion #3: WWJD
Katrina Young
“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
In the 1990s, there was a grassroots movement called W.W.J.D. (What Would Jesus Do?). It spread worldwide among Christian youth wearing bracelets as a reminder that their actions should be like Jesus. A few years ago, people started doing “random acts of kindness.” You might be in a drive-through, and the person in front of you would pay for your order. The idea was for you to then pay it forward and do the same for someone else. Today, you do not have to look far to see “Be Kind,” a catchphrase to remind us how to treat our fellow man. Social media memes, t-shirts, and even rock gardens all display a reminder to be nice. It is as if our culture has forgotten how to treat others, so we need a reminder on our coffee mug.
In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus gives us a perfect example of doing to others as you would have them do to you. A man is robbed, beaten, and left for dead on the side of the road. Others passed by him and walked on, but the Samaritan, an enemy, showed compassion and helped him. The Samaritan did not acknowledge differences when he approached the man but only saw a man in need and cared for him. It is horrifying to think that if I or someone that I loved were stranded and in need, we could be passed by due to race, gender, or beliefs. The world is full of hatred and cruelty, but loving “your neighbor as yourself” is the example the Samaritan gave. The Golden Rule is a call to serve and love others as Christ loves us. Luke 6:27-28 tells us, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.”
The bracelets, t-shirts, and coffee mugs all serve as a reminder of how we should treat our fellow man. They cause us to pause and hopefully act on the reminder. Unfortunately, over time these things will fade and lose their impact. If I were to ask my son what does W.W.J.D. mean, he would have no idea. One thing for certain is that God’s Word will not fade. The bottom line is that we do not need material things as a constant reminder of how to act or treat others. We need to know who we are in Christ and to follow His example. Philippians 2:4-5 says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”