By Pastor Larry Frazier
Whether positively or negatively expressed, many of the world’s religions have some form of the Golden Rule. Five centuries before Jesus Christ, Confucius gave a negative injunction saying, “That which you do not desire, do not do to others.” (The Analects of Confucius). Jesus Christ gave a positive command, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” (Matthew 7:12). Although they use opposing language, both statements express a sincere concern as to how we should treat one another. Our world today seems to have a fading interest in reciprocal humane and peaceful interaction among people.
A rule tells us what to do and what not to do. It is no wonder that the “Rule” is called “Golden” because anything of gold is held in high regard. What could be more important than people respecting each other and trying to get along? I have heard it said that the least you owe anyone is the time of day which means acknowledging their presence. Older people used to say that the one entering a room should speak greetings first. It used to be that a man would stop another man from cursing around women and children. Aretha Franklin was not wrong when she sang about R.E.S.P.E.C.T.
A community activist once said that adults should not walk past young people on the streets and not acknowledge their presence. You never know when someone just may need to be recognized and see a friendly face. After all, according to national song leader Kirk Franklin, you look so much better when you smile. If you are having a good day, then share the joy. Proverbs 15:13 says, “A glad heart makes a cheerful face.”
As we think of other conditions in the world today, the words of the Bible ring true: “In the last days, people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5); not top mention creating “wars and rumors of wars” (Matthew 24:6).
The Golden Rule is a guide for godly living, but the “ruler” of knowledge and correction is in the hand of the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, that Jesus has given to those who believe and receive Him.
Is the Golden Rule the solution to all that is wrong in the world? Of course not. The Golden Rule is God’s Law and we cannot correct nor save ourselves by keeping the law. By ourselves, we don’t have the power—but there is ONE who has the Will and the Power to help our lost situation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, our sins are forgiven and we become His disciples. Jesus then says to us, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35)
