Just a Thought: If what you desire is to be respected, you must be respectful yourself. There is a passage in the Bible many refer to as “The Golden Rule.” You know the premise is to treat others the way you want to be treated. This is a good rule to live by, and many try. But I want to point out a few things about this passage and this rule. First, Jesus is speaking to His disciples (believers – followers) in what we call the sermon on the mount. He is implying this is not something we should try to do. But rather He is saying this is how the righteous live. They are fair and righteous in their actions toward others because they are righteous in their new (spiritual) nature. Fair and righteous living does not come naturally from our sinful natures. So, this is not a general rule, but it is to be a way of life. Second, this is a way of life for a follower of Christ. But trying to practice this rule does not make one a follower of Christ. In other words, we must first believe upon Christ to do the things we do like Christ or to be Christ-like in our living, attitudes and actions. Simply picking and choosing to follow some of the commands of Christ does not save us from our condemned state as sinners (Rom. 3:23, 6:23a). Only salvation by God’s grace through faith can save us (Rom. 5:8, 6:23b, Eph. 2:8-9). Third, listen to what Jesus actually said. “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12). This is an act that comes forward out of person who is living in accordance with God’s word (the Law and the prophets). Jesus is saying to be filled with God’s word will lead to living God’s way. So, the golden rule is actually a command to live filled with God’s word and you will display or fulfill God’s will. According to God’s word, if we want to have friends, we must be friendly (Prov. 18:24). If we want forgiveness, we must be forgiving (Mt. 6: 14-15). And there are a multitude of things listed in the New Testament believers are to do for “one another.” But the point is only a righteous (believer – follower) of Christ can follow this rule because only a righteous person can hear, believe and obey the word of God. And thereby being full of the word they will exhibit such spiritual change in their lives. And we should! And this is where we earn that respect we are looking for as a person of faith. If what you desire is to be respected, you must be respectful yourself. If this is what you desire, then begin by being filled with the word of God so that your life will display the way and will of God is where we start. How have you been trying to follow this rule? Have you been trying to fulfill it in your own power or by the power of God through the Holy Spirit in you. We cannot fulfill the word of God without being filled with the word of God. And being filled with the word of God is what leads us to be respectful and respected as true believers.
