The Rule of Gold

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,

do ye even so to them:

for this is the law and the prophets.”

-Jesus (Matthew 7:12)

Seems simple enough, right?

Whatever you would like people to do to you,

you just do to them.

Some people call this the Golden Rule.

I heard an incredible statistic from my Uncle Brian Thompson that 95% of the way people treat you, is affected by how you treat them.

The Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12), and the passage in Matthew 22:36-40, which says to:

1. Love God,

2. Love neighbors...

Actually summarize all the law and the prophets!

So these 2 passages must be pretty important right?

I know I definitely need to learn to apply both of those passages better.

What are a few ways that you can think of that you could apply the Golden Rule?

Maybe an old friend is visiting that you haven't seen in a 5 years, and they just look at you and wait to see how YOU respond to seeing them.

Are you going to just say: “Hey. What's up.” with your hands in your pockets?

Well, would you appreciate a smile, warm greeting, and a handshake or hug?

:)

Or a new friend, that comes to a circle or clique of old friends, at church for example...

How would you like to be treated if that was you?

That might mean stepping out of the clique or cool circle to help the new person feel comfortable.

I know I appreciated that when we just started going to Christ Fellowship Church, when people would come up to us and introduce themselves. That meant a ton to me.

Other examples:

When saying goodbye to your cousin, who maybe you don't get along that well with...

Or maybe a friend who you DO get along with, but with whom you just got into an argument...

Or when just meeting a person at a graduation party or other event...

Or when saying hello to the cashier at the store, who looks like she's having a bad day...

Treat them as you'd like them to treat you.

Or how about specifically, toward your parents?
I think especially while living at home, this is key aspect to learn.

What kind of attitude do you want your parents to have toward you?

A joyful, happy attitude?

Well, you and I first.
We gotta be the example to them.

An attitude respectful of our opinions?

We need to respect their opinions.

An attitude of appreciation for ALL the hard work we do for them?

We need to appreciate all their hard work they do for us!

In order to learn better how to treat others, the main thing comes to the second passage...

Love God, and love others.

There are a lot of aspects to learn about loving God and loving others, but that's why I'm SO thankful for God's Son Jesus, who was our example.

And for His Word.
And for His people – wise and godly individuals in our lives that we can learn from.

I'd definitely appreciate prayer to learn both of these better!

I got a question for you:

Have you been saved by the amazing grace of God through Jesus?

If so, are you thankful for that?

I know I am!

Then let's go treat others the way we want to be treated, and speak the truth of the gospel of Christ in love to the lost!

Recommendation of the Week

Mark Cahill, The One Thing You Can't Do in Heaven

I've listened to this book once on CD last year, and I'm listening to it again. I'm loving it just as much or more than 10 months ago in September-ish of 2011.

This book gives an INCREDIBLE perspective on evangelizing, Biblical and practical application, and it gives you the information to get you out of your comfort zone and into God's comfort zone.

Mr. Cahill is a man who certainly loves the Lord and who certainly loves others.

Guys, if you want to be challenged, inspired, and encouraged, you gotta hear/read it. MarkCahill.org.

“What are you doing of significance today, that will matter 300 million years from now?” - Mark Cahill

#letsliveboldlyforChrist :)

God bless you all this week with grace and peace!

And I appreciate each of you.

Your brother in Christ,

Landon