Golden Rule

Do to others as you would like them to do to you. [Luke 6.31]

If only we could get this in our heads.

The problem today is that society categorically rejects the notion of the Golden Rule. Oh sure, the Golden Rule is still held in lofty esteem in theory, but, in practice very little actually encourages adherence to it.

The problem with practicing the Golden Rule is that to do so requires a demoting of self and all that relates to self. In a society that promotes self-infatuation (along with every possible variation of self-pandering), there is simply no room for considering the needs of others first.

How about this: "Do unto others as you would like them to do to you ...as long as you don't have to sacrifice anything." Here is the essence of that: "I will look after you once I have first taken care of myself. Besides, one can't help others until he has first helped himself." No. No. No. That is not what the Bible teaches regardless how socially accepted it has become to be self-centered.

To Do to others as you would like them to do to you necessarily requires a time-out on one's consideration of self. It is against human nature but it clearly reveals Christ Who gave His life so others could live.

There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. [John 15.13]

Father, help us to learn what it means to put other's needs ahead of our own. Help us to see the need to learn this from Your Word because the world will certainly never teach it to us!