The Golden Rule

Bible Reading: Philippians 2: 1-11

Every business, enterprise, and ministry depends on its people to achieve excellence.  The former chairman and managing director of Tata Steel, Russi Mody, was famous for his man-management skills.  Russi Mody has followed the Golden Rule, as given by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, in his professional life.  "In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfils the law and the prophets" (Matthew 7:12  NET).

According to Socrates, the Philosopher, humility is the greatest of virtues.  He observed that the wisest people were the first to admit how little they knew.  It takes a great deal of courage to remain humble.  

The Bible scholars say that Jesus did not invent this Golden Rule.  Such sayings exist in many cultures, as God has written them upon the hearts of all men.  About AD 20, Rabbi Hillel said, 'What is hateful to you, do not do to anyone else.' This is the negative form of the rule.  Jesus broadened the command significantly by making it a positive one.  Jesus demonstrates that this simple principle – the Golden Rule – encapsulates all that the Law and the Prophets teach about how we should treat others. 

We would naturally obey all the law and the Prophets if we treat others the way we want to be treated.  This positive rendering makes the law easier to understand.  However, it does not make it easier to obey.  No one has ever consistently done unto others as they would like others to do unto themselves!

The key to humility lies in how we perceive ourselves and our view of others.  If we think too much of ourselves and too little of others, then we have a problem.  That is why the Bible says, “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Philippians 2:3).

My friend, this is the challenge we have to face today!  How we treat others reveals a great deal about ourselves.  It is God who has enabled us to do whatever we can do, and there is no reason to take pride in it.  And the Bible says the Lord opposes the proud.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me be humble and give You all the glory.  And consider others to be better than myself, so that I can truly reflect Your love.  Amen.