Easy to Say, Harder to Do

We have all heard it from our parents, grandparents, teachers, and other authoritative figures. Those admonishing words of the 'golden rule': "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Yet there are times when I wonder if somewhere along the line we heard, "Do unto others before they do unto you."

Some cynically refer to the world we live in as a dog-eat-dog world; it is every man for himself. We do what we do to get ahead regardless of who gets hurt, bruised, broken, or whatever else in the process. Yet the Christian is called to a higher standard of living. Though we live in the world, on matters of morality, ethics, and principle, we are expected to rise above the mediocrity of societal standards and demonstrate a life made different by our relationship with God. We are expected to be mindful of the way we treat each others, always bearing in mind that we are representing not just ourselves, but the Lord Jesus Christ.

Of course, that is easier said that done. Nevertheless it is something we are called to do. Jesus taught, "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven" (Matt. 5:16, Amplified). That 'light' is the way we live our lives including the way we treat others. Jesus affirms, "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:35, KJV). Every believer is called to this responsibility and the power of Christ has made it possible for us to succeed (John 15:5)

How are you treating those around you? If they treated you the way you are treating them, would you see Jesus in their actions?