|
From Rev. Brock Patterson
"Finger-Pointing"
Most people are familiar with "The Golden Rule." The "Rule" might be summarized in this way: "Do for others as you would do for yourself." This Rule, which is included as part of Jesus' teachings (Matthew 17:12), has been taught by churches, schools, and communities since Christopher Columbus first sailed across the ocean and settled this continent.
However, The Rule is not as exclusive to Western culture as we might think. Lots of countries, cultures, and religions use The Rule, or something like it, to help direct proper governance and behavior. Yes, The Golden Rule is more than just a nice lesson to learn in Kindergarten. The Rule is a way of life that helps direct the most simple or complex situations.
Of course, the basic premise of The Rule assumes that we know and understand our own wants and needs, thereby giving us an idea of what someone else might need and want. We might like to think that when Jesus taught the lesson, He was teaching them something brand new. He wasn't. The Rule was something that everyone already knew to be true but was choosing to act otherwise.
Is it any different today? Do all of us already know The Golden Rule? If so, do we actually practice it? The next time we feel like pointing a finger, we might consider taking a few moments to stand in front of a mirror and practice our finger-pointing skills at home. I tried it last night and discovered that I'm not nearly as good at finger-pointing as I thought.
Stay safe and healthy and join us for Bible Study and Worship this week!
God Bless.
Brock
| 
