The Golden Rule
The Golden Rule
“So in everything, do unto others what you would have them do unto you;”
Matthew 7:12
“I am only trying to call attention to a fact; the fact that this year, or this month, or, more likely, this very day, we have failed to practice ourselves the kind of behavior we expect from other people.” ~C.S.LEWIS
Occasionally, I have a bad day and feel I should have a pass on following the Golden Rule. I mean really, I have cancer after all! My life is definitely not what I thought it would be. So, every once in awhile shouldn’t I be able to say what I want, when I want and to whomever I want?! Excuses of why as a Christian with cancer I should have a pass on following the Golden Rule are easy for me to come up with. Here are just a few that have crossed my mind…
1) I’m having a bad day, he/she will understand
2) I have a lot on my mind and didn’t really think about what I was saying
3) They’re not a good person anyway, so it doesn’t matter what I say to them
4) I have even found myself blaming others for my actions instead of taking responsibility myself
But according to scripture, even with having been diagnosed with cancer, I will still be held accountable by God for my actions. So, sick or not, I don’t get a pass on following the Golden Rule! Well darn, that’s not what I was hoping for, but I have to say that can’t help but make me a better person.
If we could walk in a person’s shoes, feel what they feel, see what they see, hear what they hear…Would that make us treat a stranger, a friend, a family member differently? Treat them with more compassion? More love? More dignity? More forgiveness?
As Christians we are called to follow the Golden Rule even when we don’t feel like doing so. We are supposed to be different, stand out and reflect Christ to the world around us. Christ modeled for us a walk that puts others first, pursues peace and love. So, starting today let’s try and prove C.S. Lewis wrong by never failing to practice ourselves the kind of behavior not only we expect from other people, but God expects from us.
