Good Monday Morning, Dear Friends,
Someone has said that much of the trouble in our world results from the confusion over the difference in definition of the two words rule and principle. The word rule implies an arbitrary law imposed upon us by legislation. Several years ago, the government of Sweden decided to change the side of the road on which motorists drove. Instead of driving on the left, a decision was made to have motorists drive on the right side of the highway. After some confusion at first, drivers made the adjustment and traffic moved along quite well. They found that one side of the road was as good as the other as long as all agreed. Much of life is governed by rules. People get together and by common consent establish a procedure. Such procedures can be changed at will so long as there is agreement.
The word principle, however, implies a regulation which springs from a deeper level. Some things are written into the structure of the universe and are not up for popular vote. The principle of gravity, for instance, is inherent in creation. No legislative vote can change that. Principles cannot be disobeyed, and any effort to do so only proves them.
It’s been said that the Golden Rule is not really a rule but a principle. Who stated this principle first, we don’t know. The ancient Greeks, the Chinese, and the Egyptians all had it in one form or another. We remember it best, however, as stated by Jesus when he said, “Do unto others as you would have them do until you” (Luke 6:31). Jesus’ words are not so much a statement on the way we should live as they are an accurate description of the way life works.
2,000 years ago, there were two people in the city of Rome. One was the emperor of the empire, and he was selfish and mean. The Romans lived in fear because he punished any insubordination with death. In Nero’s empire there was another man named Paul. Paul was gentle and filled with boundless good will toward everyone. Even after Nero imprisoned Paul, Paul still refused to hate. When Nero ordered Paul’s execution it appeared Nero had won, and Paul had lost. But 2,000 years have passed, and the scales have been balanced. Today, no one admires Nero, and we name our dogs after him. Paul is now remembered as a saint, and one of history’s most important forces. If you give time a chance, it will at last bring back what you put out.
It’s amazing how the principle called “the Golden Rule” works. Will Rogers once said that he had never met a man he didn’t like. It’s not surprising that the world loved him. Doing unto others as you would have them do unto you is not something you should do. It’s something you must do if you want others to treat you right.
What you give, you will receive,
Bruce Jones, Pastor
Imagine Church
