Life is a high stakes proposition. We are invited, if we choose to enter the game, to gauge our options, to build up our resources, and when the moment is right, to move all our chips to the center of the table. Of course, out of fear, we can choose to stand around on the edges and watch.
Jesus (Matthew 7:12) quotes what we refer to as The Golden Rule. “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” According to Jesus this “rule” sums up all the teaching of the Law and of the prophets. Basically it encourages us to treat others as we would like to be treated. The opposite also applies. Don’t treat others as you don’t want others to treat you. But Jesus also says (Matthew 5:17), “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the prophets, I have not come to abolish, but to fulfill.”
Jesus aligns himself, and his mission, squarely and surely with what God has been doing through the Law, that great spiritual treasure, and the prophets, those strong, irritating, and comforting voices speaking out on behalf of God. He has no intention to destroy those pillars of belief and of practice. He has come to bring them to their fullness – beyond anything imaginable. Jesus, in his very being, and in his teaching/healing ministry, sums up and surpasses what went before.
In the light of Jesus, the bar for The Golden Rule is now raised to, Do into others as God has done to you. We are invited and challenged to treat ourselves, others and creation as God has treated us – with true care. This is the biblical description and understanding of justice – way above and beyond our quid pro quo notions of what’s right and fair. What payback can there possibly be for all God has done, and is doing for us? All we can do is pass the goodness along, to any and all.
John Pearring says:
Just found your blog site. Why didn’t I know about this? I plan to link to and read regularly.
I sent you an email to an address I hope you still have. I’ve finally found a publisher for one of my books. 40+ and five books in the offing. It’s Wipf & Stock publishers out of Eugene, Oregon. Great folks. They’ve picked up my book Snarl, and are interested in the other stuff I’ve got ready to go. I think I’ve found a home.
Wonder if you’d be interested in reviewing Snarl for the publication?
God bless, John
Jana Buckley says:
I am feeling a bit out-of-the-know on this part:
Do into others as God has done to you.
Usually we hear ‘do unto others’. Do you have an example that might help me to visualize this?
Thank you for any further clarification you can provide.
a43dcb5_wp says:
Dear Jana,
Thanks for your comment. The question is how does God treat us. God hand makes us in the divine image and likeness, graciously heals and liberates us, gently invites us to grow, is with us inspiring us to acts of love and compassion. this is how we are to be and to do with and for others.
Take care.