Lamp Posts

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).

In the greatest sermon ever preached, this one statement is perhaps the most memorable. This saying of Jesus—often called the “Golden Rule,” sets forth a great principle, central to all our dealings with others.

The Golden Rule, of course, is based on the principle of love. Jesus declared the love of God—and its corollary, the love of one’s neighbor as oneself—to be the foundation of the law and the prophets (Matt. 22:34-40). Paul said the whole law was fulfilled in one word (Gal. 5:14; Rom. 13:8-10). James called it the “royal law” (Jas. 2:8).

The Golden Rule sets forth the highest ethic. It sets things in their correct order of allegiance, devotion, and concern: God, others, self.

It teaches us always to regard others as more important than self (Phil. 2:3; Eph. 5:21; Rom. 12:10; 15:1).

People usually strive to please themselves, whatever the cost. Man too often approaches the question of what is right by asking, what will make me happy?

This rule is sorely needed, especially in these times, in a society that is based on dog-eat-dog, get-out-of-my-way, survival of the fittest competition. Often the mantra is, do unto them before they do it to you.

We are impressed by its simplicity of explanation. A rule of universal application is included in one direct statement. The rule is broad in application. This one rule covers all our behavior. In every decision, in every action, in every situation, this principle forces us to put ourselves in the other person’s shoes and ask, how would I want to be treated in this situation? Would I want others to do the same?

It is true that various religious teachers and philosophers stated the principle of reciprocity. The old story told about one of the ancient Jewish rabbis is well known. Someone asked him to summarize the whole law while standing on one foot. He said, “What is hateful to you, do not do to anyone else. This is the whole law; all the rest is only commentary.” Other wise teachers have made similar statements.

In its negative form this rule is a legal principle, and most laws governing society are based on it. The rule thus stated means only not doing certain things. “Do no harm.”

But Jesus stated the principle in a new and different way. He demands more than any teacher had ever demanded before. It takes on a new life and sets forth a new attitude toward our fellow men.

If we want to be encouraged, try to encourage others. If we want to be appreciated, try to show appreciation to others. If we want to be respected, be respectful. If we want others to listen to us, listen to them. If we want to be forgiven, be forgiving.

This rule is a ground for positive action and living. It is the dynamic of personal redemption, compassion, and evangelism. Applying this rule will affect society, it will affect our families, and it will affect the church. How much more evangelistic we will be if we will treat others as we would be treated and share the saving gospel message with them! How much more effective we will be in edifying, helping, and encouraging one another if we treat our brethren as we would want them to treat us!

Dan Petty