So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12) This is often called “The Golden Rule.”
Golden: (not talking about the color) (Adjective) having a high level of excellence (“really good”)
What things have you heard called “golden”?
- “golden child”–a favored kid
- “Golden Globe Awards”–special awards for excellence in movies
- “Golden Birthday”–when your age and your birthdate are the same number (It only happens once in your WHOLE life!)
- “Golden Anniversary”–a couple’s 50th wedding anniversary! That is a big accomplishment!
So if we use these definitions and connect them to today’s Bible verse, this “rule” must be pretty special, huh? In fact, the end of the verse explains it. It is special, because following this one rule will help us to follow most of the other “rules” of how followers of Jesus should live!
Think about how often you use the words “me, mine, My” and “I.” Now, think about how often you use the words (NOT when you are mad!) “You, your, and yours.” Which set do you think you use more? If we are honest, I think we all probably use words that talk about ourselves more than words that talk about others. Unfortunately, that’s probably because we tend to THINK about ourselves, more than we think about others!
How do we fix that? Well, the Bible says that “As a man thinks, so is he.” So, what if we prayed that God would change how we THINK? The Bible says that our minds are transformed (changed) when we let God change how we think and what we think about!
In order to change how we think about ourselves and others, we must train ourselves to think about it! Philipians 2:3-4 says that we should “consider others to be more important than ourselves.” To “consider” something means to think about it, on purpose.
In whatever you do, think, or say, train yourself to think first about what the OTHER person wants, thinks, needs, or believes in this moment, and treat them according to how you would want to be treated in that situation! I think you will find that you will start treating others differently!
Jesus, please help me to begin to think less about myself and more about others. Help me to love others more like you love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!