How do you apply the Golden Rule in your life?

We’ve all heard it.
Most of us think that Jesus was the originator… but we’d be wrong.
Apparently, the Golden Rule existed long before Jesus.

The name “Golden Rule” was coined by Confucius 500 years before Christ’s birth, and the phrase itself had been in existence for 2000 years.

It reads several different ways –  ‘Do not do to others that which we do not want them to do to us.’ or ‘That which you hate to be done to you, do not do to another.’ and etc.

Now, by itself, the Golden Rule is a great thing to adhere to… But the real importance of the Golden Rule is not that Jesus said it too, but rather, in how he said it…

Look at the ancient way again.  Note that it’s more of a don’t do it and it won’t happen to you attitude…
Protectionistic.  Head in the sand.  Isolationist.  Passive.  Reactive.
“If I just keep my mouth shut nobody will say anything bad about me.”  “If I just keep my head down, I’ll get through this day without conflict.”

What kind of life is that?

To me, living with your head down all the time is just existing, not living.
Think back on your past a bit and you can easily pinpoint a few times when, had you opened your mouth or stepped up to the plate a little sooner or stood up for that person… well… things may have turned out differently.  You wouldn’t have that nagging regret in the back of your mind.

So Jesus says, “Do to others what you would have them do to you.”(NIV2010)  “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (KJV)
The Message version states it this way: “Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them.”

In one short moment, Christ Jesus takes a 2000 year-old tenet of life and changes it from a me, me, me, me, passive protectionism style of living to a proactive, living ahead of the game, pay it forward, give before you get, think of others, if I like it so will someone else, grabbing the initiative attitude!

What a difference!  This is what trusting in God is all about!

To “do not onto others” is a self-protecting, self-trusting lifestyle.
To “do to others” is a God will protect me, He is my Source, my Shield, kind of lifestyle!

Think of it… If everyone on this planet adhered to this principle, there would be no more war or conflict or hate or fear towards others…

Don’t think of the enormity of getting everyone to do this.  It’s not about if everyone else lives the Golden Rule proactively.

It’s about whether I do.

It’s about whether you do.

So, whaddya say we start a revolution?  You and me.  Living the Golden Rule proactively.
Let’s start today!

If you heed help, take a moment and ask God to help you.   He said He would never leave you nor forsake you.  And I guarantee you that in this endeavour, He’ll be there every step of the way.

I can’t wait to hear of your results!  I’ll post my observations from time to time.
Have a blessed day!

-BBTO