I’m starting to think that the only way God can my attention lately is through repetition. Yesterday I read Matthew chapter 7 during my devotions and I even highlighted a couple of passages. But nothing really stood out in the reading…nothing that caused me to pause and think (mostly because I wasn’t listening).
Last night I went to the bookstore to look around and found a new book to read (just what I needed). Last night I read the first chapter and the author referenced one of the passages I highlighted in my devotions that morning…and a light bulb went on. See…it takes repetition, but at least I listen eventually (well…sometimes anyway).
The passage is one that even many who don’t know much about Scripture can recite…at least the first part of the passage. I’m going to share it with you “in reverse” because it’s the second part that has me thinking this morning:
This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.
Matthew 7:12b
That’s a mouthful. Jesus gives us “the essence”, the core, of the entire Biblical teaching in one short sentence. Must be packed full of deep, theological teaching right? Must be complicated and hard to understand. Must be for those with formal training and the wisdom of the ages…right?
Wrong! Here it is…
Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you.
Matthew 7:12a
We even have a fancy name for this verse: The Golden Rule. Think about this for a second. The Golden Rule is the essence of everything taught in the law and the prophets. What? Yep…once again God shows that He is more concerned with relationships than anything else. He wants to have a relationship with us and He wants us to have good relationships with one another.
So, how about it…are you living out the Golden Rule? I must admit I don’t get an “A” in this territory. I don’t always treat others (at least not everyone) like I want to be treated. I’m still working on how to do better…so forgive me while I work on it.
