Text:Matthew 5, 7; Phil. 2

Before we take a break to have our Sunday Adventure Times, we will discuss one more, Is It Really In The Bible? This one is the golden rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Now, I do not believe there is any harm in this saying even if it is not or maybe it is in the Bible. Now let’s state up front, it is in the Bible. Jesus indeed did say this in the sermon on the mount right after the beatitudes. He was talking to a huge group of people that followed Him and were listening to His teachings. So, what does this mean?

Well, again, Christ is addressing a big crowd of people. We will discuss later on what the Bible tells the followers or disciples of God to do. In the sermon on the mount, Christ was discussing radical generosity that was of course missing in the communities in which these people lived. Just as it is today for the most part. People are selfish and see their own advancement in life at any cost. Christ is giving them the path to righteousness if you would.

Christ also goes on to talk about giving more than asked for. He says if someone asks for your coat, give them your shirt also. If they ask you to go a mile, go two. This is the true heart of God. Not that you simply treat others as you want to be treated. The Chosen used theatrical liberties and Christ said this during a specific event involving abuse by Roman soldiers but that is not in scripture that way. Again, this is the sermon on the mount. I do believe that God even cares about one jot or tittle in His Word so we should not be taking liberties and adding to what we know but that is a different discussion for a different time.

Now, if we understand scripture using scripture, we will see that God desires much more than the golden rule. Phil. 2 teaches us that we are to go above and beyond the golden rule. It tells us to esteem others better than ourselves. This means, as a disciple of Christ, I am to treat others better than I desire to be treated. This is the heart or mind of Christ God tells us. If we want to be like minded to that of our Savior, then we are to treat others better than we desire to be treated. May we love the way God loves each day.