Friday, August 10, 2012

Consider: The Golden Rule RJD #20





3/09/04

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Luke 6:31(KJV)

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

               Luke relates to us that Jesus told his disciples to: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

               Matthew tells us Jesus’ words a bit differently: ”So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you. . . .”

               Both passages deal with our interactions with others. Bible commentator Matthew Henry spoke of this passage as being a way to extend justice or love, as if their circumstances and ours were reversed.

               The authors of disciplines for the inner life relay new information to me; “We hear of the modern version- Do unto others but do it first- but the words of Jesus were given to a select group of people, those we were empowered to keep them—God’s people.”

               I find this thought enlightening. Jesus gave this rule to those whom He loved and trusted but evil man has perverted His meaning.

               Matthew’s rendition of this rule gives us another factor to look at. He says, “So in all things/everything . . . .” His words tell me I can’t apply this principle when I wish but I have to employ it in every waking moment of my day –in every situation in which I find myself.

               When I do live by this principle I believe I model God for those around me. I have a story about my experience with applying the Golden Rule to my life. I will share that with you soon.

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UPDATE: I still have times when I fail to live by the Golden Rule. But I find myself more cautious when I feel like saying things in a harsh way. I still have some trouble with flippant remarks that come out of my mouth. But I am still a work in progress; God’s not finished with me yet.  

Llilnking up to:beneaththesurface-dawn

8 comments:

  1. Hi Cecelia,
    I am still learning this as well. Don't forget to link your post so others may read! Happy Friday!

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    1. Dawn: I believe I will be learning this until I am called to be with Jesus. It is an all encompassing lesson.

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  2. You always post such great reminders about how to live in discipleship to Christ!

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    1. Sheryl: Thank you for the lovely comment. I don't always feel I live up to what I should be doing for the Lord. Thanks again.

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  3. Oh, if we could only always live up to this wonderful "Golden Rule". I fear I do not always obey it as I should. This was a good reminder to persevere...and to "do unto others as I would have them do unto me" whether or not they ever do good things unto me. Thank you for this challenge today.

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    1. Pam; Thank you for your nice thoughts. I hope to be able to share with you and the others my experience with applying the Golden Rule to my heart sometime soon.

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  4. Cecilia, you're not the only work in progress! I am, too. I try to live by the Golden Rule. I have good days, and not so good days. But I persevere. The good days outweigh the bad days for me, so I'm comforted in knowing that I'm headed in the right direction!

    Thank you for this reminder.

    Blessings to you and yours,
    Janette

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    1. Janette: Thank you for your charming comment. If we were to ask people, we would find that all of us are works in progress. We have a Lord that loves us and leads us as He sees our needs.

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I would be honored to hear what you think about this.

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