I want to remind you of something . . . the Golden Rule. Now, in my professional world, the Golden Rule is often recited as “the man with the gold makes the rules,” but I want to focus on the other one, the one that (hopefully) your parents taught you when you were young.
I was reminded of this rule just the other night. Out of the blue, my wife Jennette received a text message. It was from a nurse that she used to work with. She had not heard from him for almost five years. His text message was to thank her for encouraging him to continue his education. He was texting her to let her know that she made a difference in his life; that he had just finished his master’s degree.
Obviously, nobody would have known that her encouragement many years ago would lead to his fulfilling his education, but the point is you don't know how, what you say or what you do, will be received or interpreted by the recipient. Therefore, as your momma taught you, you should always treat people the way you want to be treated and you should always act towards others the way you would want them to act towards you. Since you may not ever know how your words or your actions will affect someone, why not do what you can to make a positive difference.
As you might have known we are reminded of this rule throughout the Gospels and elsewhere.
Matthew 7:12 - “In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Luke 6:31 - Treat others the same way you want them to treat you.
Mark 12:31 - The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Galatians 5:14 - For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Despite all of us knowing this rule and despite, if we were to be asked, we would all say it's an important rule and one that should be followed, it's sad how easy it is to see examples of it not being followed. That being said, if the opportunity arises (and it most certainly will), you should demonstrate the rule by your example. Your actions will undoubtedly be good for the people you help and are kind to . . . but truth be told, on a day-to-day basis, living by the Golden Rule will make you a better person, will make those around you happier, and will make your little corner of the world a better place. What could possibly be wrong with that.
So pour yourself a cup of coffee then sit back, recite the Golden Rule 47 times out loud, then relax, for God is with you, and take solace in knowing that this is the day that the Lord has made; may you rejoice and be glad in it.
