Christian Civility

CHRISTIAN CIVILITY

“Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” - Matthew 7:12

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going. Looking back, I've often asked people for a shortcut as I've traveled. Most of the time, the “shortcut” seemed longer and took more time than my originally planned route. I've learned that “shortcuts” are to be avoided.

If you want to have strong, healthy relationships, you can't take shortcuts. Taking shortcuts in relationships have led to countless divorces, nasty lawsuits, church splits, corporate turmoil and hard feelings. Scandals and corruption in the business world have cost innocent investors millions of dollars.

Let's be honest about it. Relationships are in a mess right now. We could easily list dozens of issues that plague our nation, many of them stem from relationship problems. How can these problems be resolved?

Obviously, I can't resolve all the problems of the world. Neither can you. Yet I am responsible for the network of relationships God has entrusted to me. The answer to our woes is very simple. God has given us a tried and trusted way to treat other people. We refer to it as the golden rule. Jesus taught this in Matthew 7:12: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”

When I was in the first grade (way back in the last century), our public school teachers taught pupils to obey the golden rule. As adults, we have someone gotten away from the Lord's teaching on this subject. We consider it appropriate to teach children the golden rule in Sunday School, but as adults, we aren't serious about obeying this rule ourselves. We don't treat others the way we want to be treated.

We need to consider a few facts about the golden rule.

IT'S A PRECEPT

First of all, the golden rule is not an option, it is a command. We are commanded by Jesus to treat others the way we want to be treated. Modern day Christianity has become so weak that church members pick and choose the Biblical commands that they intend to obey. That is not Biblical Christianity, instead it is paganism wearing a Christian label. For some reason, we have turned Biblical commands into options to consider. Yet it is a command to forgive others. The Great Commission is a command. The golden rule is a command. If we are serious about our faith, we need to obey the commands of Scripture rather than overlooking them.

IT WAS PERSONIFIED

Secondly, it was personified by Jesus. If we claim to be followers of Jesus, we need to practice the golden rule. If you read your New Testament, Jesus did not treat people the way they deserved. If we received what we deserved, all of humanity would be in hell right now. Instead, Jesus showed compassion. He demonstrated mercy. Yes, at times He was blunt when the situation required it. Yet He was love personified. If we claim to love and follow Jesus, let us learn from His example. Often we need to give people what they need instead of what they deserve. When you are hurt by someone, just remember this old statement: “Hurting people hurt others and are easily hurt themselves.” Rather than hurting someone in an act of revenge, show them mercy and grace instead.

IT IS POWERFUL

Next, the golden rule is powerful. Practicing the golden rule would radically change marriages, homes, businesses, churches, communities and even our nation. The fact is that I can't force others to do what is right. You can't either. However, I can treat people the way I'd want to be treated. You can do the same. Rather than being part of the problem, let's be used of God as part of the solution. In this world of “political correctness,” deep political and social divisions and universal mistrust, we are called to be difference makers. So, treat your spouse the way you want to be treated. Practice the golden rule with your boss and coworkers. Rather than seeking to have your own way at church, do to others as you'd have them do to you. Quit treating your neighbor like an enemy. Instead, be a good neighbor to him.

We need to show the world that our faith is more than mere words. If we claim that Jesus is Lord, it needs to be shown by our loving obedience to Him.

Our treatment of other people is a reflection of the heart. Extend to others the love, mercy and grace you'd want shown to you.