Lifestyle Evangelism is . . . Do (ing) Unto Others.

When asked “What is the Golden Rule?” too often it is quoted as, “We are to treat others like they treat us.” Or, “We are not to be mean to people who are not mean to us.” Very often, even too often, the Golden Rule is quoted and interpreted in a negative way.

“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” (Matthew 7:12), is the Golden Rule. Notice that this “rule” is given in a positive, even proactive way. The emphasis is not a reactive emphasis, but a proactive emphasis. In other words, we are not to wait and see how someone will treat us before we decide how we will treat them. Instead, we are to treat them first in the manner in which we would like them to treat us. We are to begin the treatment of others with love.

This statement does not mean that, if we do good first and that good is met with evil, then we can reciprocate with evil. Even then, we are to continue to follow the way of doing good.

Because this approach to life is so different from the self-centered, self-absorbed world in which we live, our actions will be noticed. Our way of Lifestyle Evangelism will demonstrate what it means to live a life thinking and caring about others besides ourselves. Especially in the cases where our good is met with evil, our kindness will shine even greater. In much the same way, that Jesus met adversity with love, so with His help, we are to do the same.

The Golden Rule is not outdated. As a matter of fact, if you follow the Golden Rule, you may notice how even those who have treated you with unkind intent before may begin treating you as you treat them. Although such a change may not happen immediately, as new behaviors sometimes take time to develop, all we have to do is watch and see if it does happen. Then, we can rejoice that others have seen our witness and as always, be ready, when asked, to give the reason for your actions, namely, that we love others because God loved us first.

24 of 52 © Rev. Ronald A. Bogs