One of my favorite passages in the New Testament is referred to popularly as “the Golden Rule.” It was given by Jesus during his wonderful sermon on the Mount, recorded in Matthew 7. “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.”
Notice that Jesus’ did not say to do unto others whatever it is they do unto you… Or, do unto others before they do it unto you… Or, do unto others so that they will not be able to do it to you. All of these seem to be popular sentiments, but they are not what Jesus said.
Jesus established the principle of love. Treat others the way you would like them to treat you. If you don’t want someone to steal from you, don’t steal. If you don’t want to be ridiculed, don’t ridicule. Simply stated, be nice!
There is too little niceness in the world today. How many times have you driven up to a fast food drive thru, or bought an item at a store, and been greeted rudely by the sales clerk? Of course, their rudeness may be in part because customers for the past seven hours of their shift have been rude to them! I guess then they are doing unto others just as others have done unto them!
There is a little park a few blocks away from our house. The city built a basketball court, with a great cement surface and two very good goals. For a time, the city supplied nets for the goals, but after about 10 sets, they stopped. The nets each lasted less than a week before being stolen. Kids would come to the park and play, enjoying the nets, and then someone would steal them. Now, there are no nets. Everyone wants nets, they make playing the game much more fun, but because people are unwilling to practice the golden rule, everyone suffers. It is such a shame.
Children who are absolutely devastated by the criticism and ridicule of their peers are nevertheless quick to make fun of others themselves. Perhaps you have heard of slam books. Books that contain criticism, ridicule and gossip, passed around schools for everyone to read and add their own vitriol. Some teenagers have even put up websites to belittle others, with videos, pictures and lies. There have been teenagers who have taken their own lives because of their shame and sadness as a result of such attacks.
Adults are no better, leading to so much pain and misery. And, it irritates me to see such meanness.
We are in the middle of the holiday season. Peace on earth, and goodwill to men is the sentiment commonly heard during this time of year. But, it is needed year ‘round. So, starting today, my hope is that everyone will just, be nice, already!