The Golden Rule. We all know it. How many of you remember a poster of it in your elementary school? How many of us have said it to others, or taught it to our children?
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
We can find it in Luke 6:31, Do to others as you would have them do to you, and we can find it alluded to in other passages, both Old and New Testaments.
But did you know that the Golden Rule is not a specific Judeo/Christian concept? A similar teaching is found in nearly every world religion including Native American religions, indigenous religions, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Islam and more. Here is a short example:
Buddhism Do not offend others as you would not want to be offended.
Islam None of you are true believers until you love for your brother what you love for yourself.
Confucianism Tzu-kung asked, “Is there one word which can serve as the guiding principle for conduct throughout life?” Confucius said, “It is the word altruism. Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”
Sikhism I am a stranger to no one; and no one is a stranger to me. Indeed, I am a friend to all.
Taoism Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.
Jainism One should treat all creatures in the world as one would like to be treated.
Aboriginal Spirituality Chief Dan George We are much alive as we keep the Earth alive.
When you stop to consider nearly every world religion has this same philosophy, it must be a universal truth (and I believe that God is responsible for this truth for a reason).
We are a week away from the general election in the most tumultuous political years ever with a lot of anger (on both sides). So, I challenge each of us. During this last week of politicking as we prepare to go to the polls, practice the Golden Rule. No matter who your neighbor, friend or family member is voting for, practice the Golden Rule. And after the election, practice the Golden Rule. Afterall, you would want someone to practice the Golden Rule with you, right?
Peace,
Pastor Bill
Thin Places 
💜
Sent from my iPhone