For as long as I can remember I've always been the type of person who believed that if you treated people good and kindheartedly, in turn, they'd treat you the same. To me, this is a growing concept which makes perfect sense. Not only does such reciprocity garners respect, but it actually bodes well for humanity.
Imagine that.
It also forces spirituality. Which I believe to be exactly what Jesus Christ had in mind when He inhabited the Earth and attempted to show its inhabitants a better way. The only way, really. But, as life would have it, and as Jesus himself learned, The Golden Rule isn't necessarily practiced here. Not on a whole it isn't. Only preached. Apparently, not everyone received the memo.
Just a few. The limited number whose souls won't allow them to be anything other than of peace and good will, whose eyes are actually watching God. Those who awake to a world where the load appears lighter, grass greener, sun brighter.
Unfortunately, these are the same ones whose good deeds are often overshadowed by the characters who treat people one way and expect to be treated another, mistake kindness for weakness, always plotting.
And, of course, those who are perceived to be angels standing in the light. Yet, are nothing more than devils in the dark. In their hearts.
All of which leads to inner conflict otherwise known as spiritual struggle, where one then questions the struggles between good and bad, right and wrong, peace, war, everlasting life, eternal death, free will. In other words, the world in which we currently live. An infinitely confused world that many somehow believe will better itself.
But why? How? If we as humans on a whole cannot do unto others as we'd have them do unto us, then what does that say about us? And what are we saying towards the God in which we all pray?
I mean, really say?
17 comments:
'Ppreciate this post. Very similar to one of my recent ones ("Mood: *thankful*). I've always been a firm believer in keeping the faith. A pre-requisite for that is "having" faith. . .in Him. Only then can we have faith in ourselves and have faith in others. And all else (the important things, at least) will follow.
"To err is human," and although some err purposely and intentionally, that's how they do. . .and that's what they'll get when the it comes right back to them. I do claim to be the most faithful and kind person, but I do try to be so :)
Have a good first week of the year,
J
typos: "I do not claim" lol. . .
Every now and then I read a blog entry and I have to pause to take in every word because it's as if God used the author to communicate it to me at the exact time that I'm reading it. This is one of those blog entries. Don, you obviously are an instrument of God. Thank you for composing what He obviously has put on your heart!
well said.
Good questions Don.
IMO the Golden Rule is the essence of Jesus Christ so when people violate that rule, it says to Him what He already knows: that we are wretched, unworthy and desperately in need of His guidance. James 5:16says "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." So, those of us who are living right should stand in the gap and pray for those who aren't...there's really nothing else we can do.
We all have free will. Which means although we know right from wrong, unless one is a psychopath, we are free to choose either.
So that's where spiritual strength and discipline come into play. Are we strong enough to do right when wrong is so attractive? Are we disciplined enough to do right when wrong is so easy?
Those things are what separate those who are real from the posers.
Very thoughtful post, Don.
Great post. You're right. We can't expect the world to change around us if we aren't first willing to make a change. It starts with us. Unfortunately, people are too content with life the way it is. No one wants to fight, march or protest for change. People just want to sit back, kick the feet up and wait...For what?! I have no idea. Nothing is going to change without work and a change in our personal attitudes.
Great post and great question. I don't think anyone can really answer it though. I guess I will always live with a genuine, giving heart regardless of how others may behave. It's all I can do. All anyone can do.
*singing* God is tryna tell you something..
Preach!!!
I swear He's an On_Time God. He speaks thru people to have someone hear something they need to hear again...to gain a better understanding!!
Great Point!!
to me it shows how truly flawed we are, thats why we need Jesus.
I love this! Your question at the end what are we saying towards the God to which we all pray. Ump ump ump thought provoking. Most of us are not cogizant of Christ or others, because we are too distracted by what is important to us (ME) rather than considering the other person better than ourself. This requires a level of humility that many of us will not reach because we just can not (WILL NOT) humble ourselves. I think it tells God that we are not interested (REALLY) in his message.
Again great post, keep them coming.
@Tiffany: Thank you. I often find myself reflecting upon certain instances where I know in my heart that I did something or said something to someone which bothered me. And it's during those times where I am reminded of the exact same having been done to me. Like it's a game. It all makes me sad.
@Journee: Agreed. Usually, I end my thoughts with the fact of reality that we aren't perfect, just as you stated.
@Sunny: You speak the truth. I'm constantly in search of that better understanding myself, hoping that I'm one day part of the process. The conclusion.
@Shelly: For the most part, it's the same here. I practice the Golden Rule, successfully, when it's in my heart and without success whenever it's one-sided. Working on that.
@Up4Dsn: This speaks to me: Nothing is going to change without work and a change in our personal attitudes. Agreed. We all could stand a change of attitude. Especially with the way the world has turned.
@Val: Thank you and, yes, free will is given to all. Maybe the context of "free will" in the post is mistaken though? What I meant is I sometimes wonder if free will should've been given in the first place, knowing the destructive amount of evil it brings. Then it appears we're punished for acts as a result of that same free will.
@SJ: Powerful scripture, thanks for sharing. Love when thought is met with scripture. The essence of true understanding, if you ask me. There probably isn't nothing else mankind can do.
@Stephanie: Thank you.
@Daij: Thank you for the kind words. The same can be said about your reads. This has something which has definitely been on my heart. I believe it's because I notice the "magic" of Christmas spirit and quietly wonders why this isn't the case, 365 days a year.
@Janelle: You, my friend, just placed something else on my mind. And it's a thought which escaped me beforehand. Faith in Him. Yes. I am a firm believer in scripture, yet it appears my faith is weakened. Time to work on that. Thank you.
Yep, Don, free will is definitely a double edged sword.
Good post.
Unfortunately, there are many people who treat others any kind of way and those who appear to be one way, but are truly another way.
For those of us striving to live a life pleasing to God, striving to live Christ like, we must remember that no matter what is going on around us, we have to choose to do the right thing- even when it's not reciprocated.
Doing unto others is a commandment made by Jesus. Jesus said, "If you love me, keep my commandments."
So, when we operate against what he has commanded, what we are saying towards the God in which we all pray is that we, in fact, DON'T love him.
Yep.
"An infinitely confused world that many somehow believe will better itself. But why? How? If we as humans on a whole cannot do unto others as we'd have them do unto us, then what does that say about us?"
Dude, I struggle with this daily. I am naturally loving and generous with myself and my resources. I share and give of myself because I think it's what we all should do and it's what I want in return.
Unfortunately, we live in a world of selfish people and chaos that allows folks to take, take, take and give nothing in return. It's disappointing and makes me question if my way makes any sense at all in this context. But it is not in me to be any other way.
Tough stuff, but God prevails at all times. If we behave as God intends us to, we will be okay.
@neith We are of the same heart and compassion. I swear to God we are.
@natasha I couldn't have said it better, myself. Had hoped to hear your response on this blog.
I keep this in my heart: we must remember that no matter what is going on around us, we have to choose to do the right thing- even when it's not reciprocated.
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