APPLYING THE GOLDEN RULE

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 7:12

God simplifies; man complicates. The question is constantly being asked, “Is it right to do this or that?” Volumes have been written in an effort to answer this question in the realms of diplomacy, ethics, philosophy, psychology, sociology, and religion. Jesus answers it with one simple statement “The Golden Rule.” It is unique, inclusive and conclusive. It lays down a general principle and one especially valuable for our guidance in all doubtful questions between men. We are to do onto others as we would that others should do unto us. This is a golden rule indeed. It does not merely forbid all petty malice, revenge and all cheating. It goes much further and settles a hundred different points which in a world like today are continually arising between men. It prevents the necessity of laying down endless little rules for specific cases. It sweeps the whole debatable ground with one mighty principle. How many intricate questions would be decided at once if this rule were honestly used?

THE EXCELLENCE OF THIS RULE:

IT IS UNIQUE: “Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do also to them.”

Some scholar’s insist that this is not a new teaching, but an old one in new dress. As proof, various teachers are cited. Confucius, Socrates, Plato, had all expressed negative sentiments resembling this, but none ever stated it positively as did Jesus. One can obey the negative by doing nothing; the law of the land can compel that. Only love can motivate the positive. Love takes the initiative. This statement of Jesus is not so much a rule as a principle by which to live. There is a definite difference. The teachings of these teachers are negative; the teachings of Jesus are positive. Theirs is the “Silver Rule;” Jesus’ is the “Golden Rule.” Their teachings are the bases of human ethics; the teachings of Jesus are the basis of Christian morality. These teachers taught but gave no power with which to obey. Jesus taught and empowered His followers for obedience.  

It is perfect through and through and very precious. It is said that The emperor, Alexander Severus, was so fascinated by this rule when he heard it that he had one of his servants repeat it whenever he had occasion to punish anyone, and caused it to be inscribed in the most frequented parts of his palace and on many public buildings. He also professed so high a regard for Christ as having been the author of so excellent a rule that he had him enrolled among the deities.

IT IS INCLUSIVE: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

Certain situations have been cited thus far in the Sermon. But Jesus does not stop there. We can not quote chapter and verse for every situation. Jesus did not teach mechanical rules for specific situations. He laid down a principle to cover all experiences. Jesus said “All things.”  This takes in the whole of life. It is not limited to family, friends, neighbors, or Christians. It includes strangers, enemies, every person as an individual.

IT IS REASONABLE:

It is founded on exact justice and the original equality of all men. It is very easy to understand and easy to remember. Someone has well called it “The Portable Law.” It is portable, easy to remember, always at hand, always ready to be appealed to. In short, Jesus said, “Put yourself in another’s place. Then act accordingly.” 

If this simple rule were followed by everyone what wars, crimes, and injustices would be prevented! What peace, social benefits, and righteousness would result! Living by mans rules has turned the world into a sea of misery, suspicion, and conflict. The golden rule brings God into our hearts and lives. It is valuable in its operation in its relation to others.

IT IS CONCLUSIVE: “For this is the law and the prophets.”

Ultimate perfection depends on a perfect standard. This principle of the “golden rule” is perfect. This is Jesus’ answer to those who said that He would disannul the law and the prophets. Instead He endows each person with a power which brings the law and the prophets to their intended end.

Wrong motives produce the wrong results. In the hands of a criminal, this rule would produce crime. Only when it is followed as intended by Jesus may its fruits be peace, joy and righteousness. Social disorders would cease. Its general application would bring the desired peace in the affairs of our country. Psalms 127:1-2 tells us that: “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.  It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.”  Harmony would come in the moral relationships of men; honesty and good feeling into national politics; brotherly love into a divided Christendom, and the spirit of truth and righteousness into the conduct of all men.

Jesus, not only taught the Golden Rule, but He followed it. His life certifies this. Its supreme example is in His death on the cross. I Peter 2:21-24 tells us that Jesus put Himself in man’s place. “…because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow His steps: “Who committed no sin, Nor was deceit found in His mouth”; who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten, but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously; who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness— by whose stripes you were healed.”