I have often tried to imagine what this world would be like if everyone made a commitment to themselves to practice the "Golden Rule":

"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)

While the so-called Golden Rule is found in negative form in rabbinic Judaism and also in Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism, as well as in various forms in Greek and Roman ethical teaching, it is my understanding that only Jesus stated it in a positive form. Briefly, let us look at the Golden Rule more closely. "So in everything".... Wow! Not just in one particular area of one's life - but in everything. Experiencing life in a congruent manner - one area of life being in agreement and harmonious with each other area of life! "Do to others" - in other words, take the initiative - lead the way. Don't wait to see what others are doing - make it your goal, your aim, your objective to be the person you were created to be! Don't allow others to determine what your choices and decisions are in life! What an empowering concept! Regardless what may or may not have happened in your life, YOU CHOOSE, hard as that may be! Children who grow up in a home where the Golden Rule is observed have a heritage that no amount of money can buy! Read carefully the words of Dorothy L. Nolte:

"If children live with criticism,

• they learn to condemn.

If children live with hostility,

• they learn to fight.

If children live with fear,

• they learn to be apprehensive.

If children live with pity,

• they learn to feel sorry for themselves.

If children live with ridicule,

• they learn to be shy.

If children live with jealousy,

• they learn what envy is.

If children live with shame,

• they learn to feel guilty.

If children live with tolerance,

• they learn to be patient.

If children live with encouragement,

• they learn to be confident.

If children live with praise,

• they learn to appreciate.

If children live with approval,

• they learn to like themselves.

If children live with acceptance,

• they learn to find love in the world.

If children live with recognition,

• they learn to have a goal.

If children live with sharing,

• they learn to be generous.

If children live with honesty and fairness,

• they learn what truth and justice are.

If children live with security,

• they learn to have faith in themselves and in those around them.

If children live with friendliness,

• they learn that the world is a nice place in which to live.

If children live with serenity,

• they learn to have peace of mind.

With what are your children living?"

Remember: Without Jesus Christ living in our life, we don't have the strength nor the power necessary to live out the Golden Rule consistently. Until He is invited into our lives, He still remains outside. If you have never done so, open the door of your life, and welcome Him in! You will have made the greatest discovery of your life - Christ living in us!