Do Unto part 1
We've all heard the golden rule, right? Do unto other as you would have them do unto you. But for the next few days I want to kind of focus in on what I believe this really means. Because it doesn't mean "treat people how you want to be treated" in a specific sense. It doesn't mean, "I would really like someone to give me some chocolate--because I like chocolate--so I'm going to give someone some chocolate." Because, believe it or not, not everybody likes chocolate. And while chocolate might be the answer to MY problems, it isn't the answer to EVERY problem for EVERYBODY. So we need to use a little bit of common sense when we're dealing with people. A little bit of wisdom. Because I believe the golden rule is a very general idea. Treat people kindly because that's how you would like to be treated. But then we have to figure out what they would consider kind. I don't really like to talk all that much. I get my words out through my fingers onto a computer screen or a piece of paper. I communicate better through a text message conversation than a phone call. So if you're someone who loves to talk... calling me up isn't "following the golden rule." That's doing for me what you want someone to do for you, but almost in a selfish sense. Almost in a, "I'm trying to get what I want FROM you," rather than a, "I'm doing this FOR you" kind of way. So we need to be able to see past ourselves. And the only way to do that is to build that relationship with people. If you want to be able to do what someone else wants... you have to KNOW what they want, right? Otherwise you'll just kind of try to force what YOU want on them. And that's no good. That doesn't work. So let me drop my memory verse for today--for this Rant series--and then we'll see. "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate" (1 Timothy 6:19). Do good. That's what I'm working on here. Do good unto others. Rich in good works... ready to distribute. Blessed... to be a blessing. And willing to communicate. Which doesn't always mean talking. Behavior is communication. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? Actions speak louder than words. Preach the gospel at all times, and if you have to... use words. I think being there for someone is a lot more powerful sometimes than talk talk talking things to death. Now, having said that, some people need to talk. That's ok. I'm not saying it's wrong just because it's different. But we have to communicate with each other, build that relationship, that connection, so that we can get to the place where we understand what someone needs. See a need and meet it. That's how we want to be treated. We want someone to see OUR need and meet it. So don't think, "I like chocolate. I wish someone would give me some. I'm going to give chocolate as my way of expressing love." Sometimes, with some people, that might work. But people give and receive love in different ways. The point is to be able to meet people on THEIR level. See THEIR need and meet it in a way that is helpful to THEM. Do unto others. Yes. But do GOOD unto others. Put yourself aside and do what THEY need you to do. Give what THEY need to receive. That's love. Sacrifical, agape, selfless... love!