the golden rule

...You shall love your neighbor as yourself ...Mt. 22:39

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Phil. 2:3

 ...In the same way, others 

Are thickly dear to themselves.

So you shouldn’t hurt others,

If you love yourself.

-The Blessed One

 

What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others. -Confucious

This is hanging in our hallway, I don't think we look at it enough.

 

 

The Golden Rule. It's all over the place, said in many different ways by many different people, but always the same message. Why is it then that we live in a world where people are always looking out for "number one?" Why is it then that we live in a world where people hurt each other for selfish gain? One reason is that people have forgotten or rejected the ultimate example. Christ. Who died for us, that we might live.

In so many books that I've read, in particular one I'm reading now, called "set apart femininity." they say that for those who struggle with selfishness, who are trying to live lives that actually have an impact, lives that bring glory to God, it's important to think about those around you and what their needs may be instead your own. Something a book suggested was to start by being considerate to your family, make an effort to have good times together and be aware of what you can do for them instead of what they can do for you. It's what your parents have been doing for you your whole life. For example. One dinner, my sister Leslie decided to set the table as elegant as she could while still keeping it simple. This little act made us all feel slightly more important and good about eating together.

Today I just want to leave you with these sayings that remind us to live each day for others. I promise its a much more satisfying way to live. 

If you open it, close it.

If you turn it on, turn it off.

If you unlock it, lock it up.

If you break it; admit it.

If you can’t fix it, call in someone who can.

If you borrow it, return it.

It you value it, take care of it.

If you make a mess, clean it up.

If you move it, put it back.

If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.

If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it alone.

If it’s none of your business, don’t ask questions.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

If it will brighten someone’s day, say it.

If it will tarnish someone’s reputation, keep it to yourself. 

-unknown

Living for others adds value to your own life, and its another way we can all add a little more flavor into this world.