Is the Golden Rule Your Chosen Rule?

“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you . . .” (Matthew 7:12, NASBU).
All of us have a philosophy by which we live. We may not even be aware of it. However, if we analyze our behavior, we will soon see a way of thinking inherent in our treatment of others.
There are three general rules by which people live. I am not the first to relate them. In fact, they have been delineated by others—and those others have probably done a better job. As we compare them, realize that the names of the philosophies are manmade (yes, even the “Golden Rule), but this in no way takes away from the fact that they are biblical portrayals of human attitudes and behavior.
The “Golden Rule” — “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” Jesus, of course, uttered these words and lived them. This rule, if followed, would rid the world of much anguish and strife. Wars, divorces, etc., would decrease proportionately as people put this rule into practice. It is the best rule by which to live, but the one most difficult to follow. Each of us must make a conscious choice to make this our guiding principle in interpersonal relations. The benefits in peace of mind alone are worth the effort.
The “Silver Rule” — “Do not unto others that which you do not want done to you.” While this philosophy is good to a certain point, it is more of a passive quality of personality than the first. It also carries the idea of doing good to those who have done good to you first. Jesus pointed out that this was already being practiced by the religious people of the day (Matthew 5:46). Christian behavior is grounded in unconditional love—love that acts in spite of the recipient’s attitude rather than as a result of it (Romans 13:8).
The “Iron Rule” — “Do unto others before they do unto you.” This has also been paraphrased as “might makes right.” This philosophy is, in essence, the worldly spirit of power and aggression. It will take the practitioner to the depths of degradation of himself and others. Good will NOT come forth from it. Just as the practice of the “Golden Rule” would result in a decrease of wars and divorces, etc., this rule is the cause of these things. Pain and heartache will always be its fruit, but people continue to follow it.
A better world begins with me—and a better me begins with a conscious choice to practice the “Golden Rule” in all my relationships.


 

Passion

Jim Cramer is the host of CNBC’s “Mad Money.” By just seeing the name of the program and watching a show or two, you will get the idea that he is “a little over the top.” In other words, he says what he thinks and is passionate about it. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Jim Cramer went a little too far, even for him. On a Friday, when the stock market was plunging, he called for a cut in the interest rates by the Federal Reserve. During his plea for a cut, he had what most news services described as a “meltdown”—He yelled, screamed, ranted and raved about why the chairman of the Reserve should cut the rate. It was, even for those who had seen Cramer before, bizarre. Later, he was giving interviews and trying to explain himself because some people thought he had lost his mind. In his explanations, he said that his outrageous rant was one born of passion and concern for the millions of people who would lose their homes because of the market troubles.
Now, I am not going to defend Jim Cramer’s outburst. For one thing, it may have even been staged (after all, he is a TV host). For another, he really did, in my opinion, go too far. However, I will comment on his confessed concern for people who were going to suffer foreclosure after taking risky loans—I hope that people who trade in stock care about the “little people” they affect with their decisions. Furthermore, I think the world would be a better place if everyone would be more thoughtful about people than about money or things.
A similar incident occurred in the life of Paul: “And as he was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.” (Acts 26:24). I have no way of knowing to what extent Paul expressed his zeal in that situation, except for the words of Festus. But, in some way, he apparently became very passionate in order to persuade his listeners. In that same sermon, Paul appealed to Agrippa II that he (Agrippa) might “become such as I am—except for these chains.”
As we think about life and about the thinks we get upset about, maybe we ought to think a little more about zeal and passion for the really important things in life. What if we channeled that passion in constructive ways? We could put more effort and concern into our family relationships and friendships. And, we could certainly put more zeal in our efforts to reach the lost.
“I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words” (Acts 26:25).

What Are You Reading?

It is interesting to walk in stores (and not just bookstores) and see displays for summer reading. People like to take a book to the beach or somewhere else while on vacation. The New York Times and other publications promote their “bestseller lists” and these also encourage reading. I believe a Christian can improve himself/herself by reading regularly. Though all one’s reading does not have to be religious material, the following religious items could be well-incorporated into one’s regular reading program.
The Bible—It is certainly a good thing to cultivate the habit of daily Bible reading and regular Bible Study. Find a trustworthy translation in a format that is conducive to your personality and habits. Then start reading and stay with it. You will reap many benefits.
Biographies—You might be surprised at the number of biographies that have been written about Christians. Though many of them are about preachers, there are numerous ones about “regular” people. I know of one company among our brethren that has produced many biographies and autobiographies of missionaries. These books can excite you with tales of real adventure and poignant stories of conversion.
Sermons—Many of us have admired at least one famous preacher in our lifetime (B.B. Baxter, Guy N. Woods, Hugo McCord, Wendell Winkler, to name a few). Maybe that man is dead now and we miss being influenced by his sermons. Thanks to sermon books, we can continue to drink from the wells of knowledge in the minds of godly men.
Doctrinal books—There are times when one needs to firmly grasp biblical teaching on a certain topic. Books written on the subject can go a long way in establishing your belief and practice. These should not be a substitute, however, for one’s own systematic study of the Bible.
Devotional books—Sometimes we want to read books that make us feel closer to God by imparting stories, poetry, etc. that connect with us emotionally. While I do not believe that this type of material should be our only reading source, I think it has a definite place in the life of a Christian. After all, God made room for such literature in the Bible itself: the book of Psalms. One word of caution: Be sure that you are firmly grounded in your faith and that the author is trustworthy. Many Christians have been led astray by the clever “heart-appeal” of false teachers.