Skip to main content

The Golden Rule

The healing of Tobit - by Bernardo Strozzi.
The healing of Tobit - by Bernardo Strozzi. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Never do to anyone else anything that you would not want someone to do to you. -Tobit 4:15a (GNT Apocrypha)

That is obviously a converse statement of the "Golden Rule' taught by Jesus: “Do for others what you want them to do for you: this is the meaning of the Law of Moses and of the teachings of the prophets. -Matthew 7:12 (GNT)  When I read it last night, it gave me pause to stop and think about people in my life that I sometimes struggle with. Some I know, but many I don't. They could be the 'other driver' on the road who is in my way when I am in a hurry to get somewhere.

You can tell how well a tree has been cared for by the fruit it bears, and you can tell a person's feelings by the way he expresses himself. -Sirach 27:6 (GNT Apocrypha)

 As a Christian, claiming a relationship with Christ requires a but more than a few mumbled words on a Sunday morning. I believe I was saved the moment I asked Jesus into my heart as my Lord and Savior, but much more is required of me to improve my personal relationship with Him on a daily basis. When I strive for that, my happiness is increased in a big way. When I asked my wife into my life as my partner, it certainly didn't end there. It has been a process of compromise, self-examination and sometimes tolerance--on both our parts. It means there are times when I realize I have treated her by thought, word or deed in some manner that would hurt if someone did the same to me. When that happens, I am compelled as both a Christian and a recovering person to make immediate acknowledgment and amends for it. Keeping my side of the street clean is of paramount importance in maintaining my spiritual condition.

~The Third Step Prayer~

God, I offer myself to Thee- 
To build with me 
and to do with me as Thou wilt. 
Relieve me of the bondage of self, 
that I may better do Thy will. 
Take away my difficulties, 
that victory over them may bear witness 
to those I would help of Thy Power, 
Thy Love, and Thy Way of life. 
May I do Thy will always!


 [Note: Recently, I have taken an interest in the Apocrypha and have begun by reading the Book of Tobit. For my brothers and sisters who don't know what that means: they are books that are included in some Bibles, but usually left out of mainstream Protestant and Evangelical Bibles--because they are not considered by many to be the inspired Word of God. While there is much evidence to support that point of view, they make for interesting reading, contain much that is good and worthy of consideration and fill in some of the historical gaps between the Old and New Testaments. I have read a lot of books that are certainly not the inspired Word of God, but have done me good over the years, broadening my perspective and often helping me walk more closely with God.]

Enhanced by Zemanta

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Are You Thinking About What You're Thinking About?

That was the topic and title of a sermon I listened to Saturday afternoon on the Internet by a Pastor who I am fond of named Mike Dodson. As usual, his message was timely for me. In conclusion, my friends, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. -Philippians 4:8 (GNT) When I got sober, it was [first and foremost] because I was ready and willing to do so and asked God for help. It began (as everything does) with a thought. Often in my life, bad things began with thoughts like "one more time" or "this time will be different." Sometimes, near the end, it was more like "I just can't control myself and don't care anymore. I am what I am." It is true that God does not control thoughts. We have been given free will--which means we have the freedom of our thoughts from which we may act on. Obviously, if God did control thoughts, we would not have...
Post a Comment
Read more
Those who guard their mouths preserve their lives; those who open wide their lips come to ruin. -Proverbs 13:3 (NRSV) Last night, my wife had posted something political on Facebook (which she often does) and had her first experience with someone who vehemently disagreed with her viewpoint, choosing to respond in an angry manner. He accused her of such things as racism (I know my wife and she is no racist) and was "sad" for her. She was upset, called my attention to it and asked me who he was (she had "friended" him because he was a friend of friends and didn't really know him). I didn't know him, but was angered at his nasty little unfounded comment and accusation, firing back from my account that he should reserve his shame for himself. I also questioned why people can't disagree with the present political climate without being labeled racist?  In the back of my mind as I'm posting it, it occurred to me that it was simply venting and would serve n...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Home Group

One of the most important things I did early on was get a home group and get involved. To better understand what a home group is all about, I offer this from the publication The Twelve Concepts for World Service : Experience has shown that for most A.A. members, membership in an A.A. group, known as a "Home Group," is vital to maintaining sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. In the early days of the fellowship, the A.A. members actually met in the homes of fellow members and shared their experience, strength and hope with one another. From this "Home Group," they went on to help newcomers seeking sobriety through A.A. Thus, the concept of the "Home Group" has grown to thousands of groups through which the "Home Group" member helps others to recover from alcoholism. Through the years, the very essence of A.A. strength has remained with the traditional "A.A. Home Group." This is true especially where isolated alcoholics have found s...
Post a Comment
Read more