What Would Happen If…?

Read Luke 6

“And just as you want men to do to you,
you also do to them likewise.”
(Luke 6:31)

Thoughts… It has been called “The Golden Rule.” It is the ethic of reciprocity, the basis of all human rights. You can find its roots in the Old Testament (Leviticus 19:18 & 34) and it appears in various forms in practically every culture and religion known to man.

The reason the Golden Rule is so universally embraced, at least in theory, is because it originated with God. It is buried deep within mankind’s common DNA. We know when the rule is being violated; we have an innate and irresistible craving for it to be fulfilled on both a personal as well as a global level.

So what if we actually began to live our lives by that ethic? Can you imagine how life on Planet Earth might change if enough of us got together and bound ourselves to this rule for living? Think of how your own private world would drastically improve if you treated everyone as you would want them to treat you!

Re-read verses 28-42 and you will get a glimpse of the kind of things that would happen:

• You would encourage and edify even those of irritate you
• You would pray for those who hurt you
• You would offer reconciliation to those who have injured you
• You would do good to those who have done bad
• You would be generous with everyone—friend, foe, and those in need
• You would criticize others less and work on you more
• You would be kind even to those who are ungrateful and evil
• You would prove yourself to be a true child of the Most High in word and in deed

What would happen if you did that? The world would be a much better place, that’s what!

Sounds like a good plan to me! How about you?

Prayer… Lord, it is so easy, especially with this rule for life, to be a hearer of the word only, and not a doer. Help me, O God, to fully live out The Golden Rule in my every waking moment.

One More Thing… “Kindness is in our power, even when fondness is not.” —Samuel Johnson