(Adapted from a sermon outline “starter” that appeared on Facebook by Mark Posey on 1/19/24)
Anyone who is familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ will know what is called the “golden rule.” “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12).
The rule encompasses the most important truth for the Christian, and that is the imperative of love. “Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails…” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). It is not inappropriate to call it the golden rule, though that is a name given it by man, not found in scripture.
However, It would be wrong to say that this is all that the Christian has to do. It is a strong foundation for how we live, but there are other things we need to know and practice as well. In effect, other rules that God gives us to live our lives by. While not an exhaustive list, here are five important “golden” rules to note:
Kindness will always be rewarded in the long run
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering” (Colossians 3:12). Scripture tells us that kindness is characteristic of God, even to unkind and evil men. Therefore, it should be characteristic of God’s people as well. It might seem to some to go unrewarded, but rest assured it is seen by God. So, there is the practical aspect of this rule. For the most part, when we are kind to others, that kindness is appreciated and rewarded. “A man who has friends must himself be friendly…” (Proverbs 18:24). However, if that does not happen, rest assured your kindness toward others is seen by God, and will be rewarded in eternity! “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
Do not seek to harm others or repay evil with evil
“Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. Therefore ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head.’
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-21). The Christian life is never to include vengeance or hostility. We can leave the punishment of the unrighteous to God Himself. We have been promised that when Jesus comes, it will be “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes, in that Day…” (2 Thessalonians 1:8-10). It is, as Paul says, a “righteous thing with God” (cf. 6).
Live a balanced life and avoid excesses
The wise man wrote in Ecclesiastes 3:1, “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” He gave many examples: being born/dying; killing/healing; weeping/laughing; tearing/sewing; speaking/staying silent; etc. The fullest life is lived by a man who embraces his time on earth, and realizes that what he enjoys is a blessing from God. “Here is what I have seen: It is good and fitting for one to eat and drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor in which he toils under the sin all the days of his life which God gives him; for it is his heritage” (Ecclesiastes 5:18). We just need to keep a proper balance, and note what is most important! “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33).
Treat others the way you want to be treated
Here is the classic rewording of what we know as “the golden rule.” “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (Matthew 7:12). This is the purest expression of love toward your fellow man, and must be done to emulate the Father in heaven. Again, love is the foundation of our faith. It is integral to the two great commands of scripture. Love God…Love your neighbor!
Be honest and always tell the truth
The last rule we discuss in this article. Honesty always! It can be stated negatively. It has been proclaimed from heaven that, among other sinners, “liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). It can be stated positively. “Righteous lips are the delight of kings” (Proverbs 16:13). Honesty and truthfulness is a requirement of God for His people. “Therefore, putting away lying, “Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbor,” for we are members of one another” (Ephesians 4:25).
Consider and follow these five rules, and you will be well on your way to pleasing God, and obtaining that reward in heaven for eternity!
