Do Unto Others....

Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:31

Many of us are familiar with the scriptural principle that admonishes us to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

These days, however, there are a few variations of that theme.  There's "Do unto others BEFORE they do unto you," and "Do unto others BECAUSE they did unto you,"and "Do unto others IF they do unto you."

These and other variations distort the original intent of the principle which is essentially, that we should always do the right thing in our interaction with others. 

Our treatment of others is not supposed to be based on what the person does or does not do to or for us.  It should be based on the fact that we are to reflect upon how we would like to be treated and extend that same quality of treatment to others--up front.

It's a call for us to demonstrate what we would like to see, even if others don't demonstrate it back to us.  It means remaining consistent in who we are, even when others are inconsistent and unreliable.

It doesn't give us the right to repay evil for evil, although many like to employ it in that manner.  It challenges us to rise above relating to others on a conditional basis--"I'll do this IF you do that."

It doesn't mean that we allow others to run over us, but we cannot allow the bad manners, insensitivity or evil intentions of others to ruin us. 

For example, I routinely say hello to people I know.  Whenever I have encountered someone who has mistreated me, without thinking about it, I find myself saying hello to them.  It often startles them because they don't expect me to acknowledge their presence. 

I really can't take any credit for speaking to them out of any real noble character on my part.  It's simply happens as a matter of habit, because speaking to others is ingrained in me.

When it comes to the "do unto others" principle, if we have enough of the fruit of the Spirit ingrained in us, we will sometimes find ourselves automatically doing the right thing, even when it's not intentional.  (Thank God!)

We won't wait and see how the other person is going to treat us before we decide how we are going to treat them.  We will just do what we do because of who WE are, not who THEY are.

When we really get the true essence of this principle, we will realize that it is a real identity check.  We need to check our own identity and make sure we understand that we are created in the image of God, and are inherently God's ambassadors.

Once we are clear on who and whose we are, we then need the desire, strength and courage to stay true to our identity regardless of what happens around us or to us.  It's not easy, but it's also not impossible.

Part of our identity in God is that we are a people who are to "pray for those who despitefully use" us.  That means we are to pray for those who hurt us and those who hurt others. 

For example, how many of us are sincerely praying for Dr. Conrad Murray, the doctor convicted in the Michael Jackson murder trial?  Can we see past the criticisms about what he should or should not have done to see a man on the verge of suicide and in need of intercession?

Not only that, but perhaps had enough of us interceded on Michael Jackson's behalf, he might not have lost his identity through the surgeon's knife and innumerable skin alterations, actions that set off a long chain reaction that I believe are the ultimate cause of his death.   In my view, Michael Jackson "died" long before Dr. Murray came into the picture, and we watched him erode before our very eyes.

If we truly do unto others AS WE WOULD HAVE them do unto us, then we would pray for Dr. Murray, for we know God can do a mighty work through a broken spirit and a contrite heart.

Let's not be so quick to judge, and let's not be so quick to mimic and reflect the negative attitudes we encounter from others.  For, if we keep justifying our "right" to judge, fly off the handle, curse or seek revenge on others, the principle of reaping and sowing will be in full effect and we will be repaid by what we Do Unto Others....

BNcouraged!

Rev. Karen