Living the Golden Rule
Yesterday, at church, I and others were helping parents pick up their children following Sunday School. Regardless of whether it is church, or school, or a friend’s house, picking up a child to take home can be an anxious time for parents. Parents love their children. They want to know not only did they have fun where they are at, but also that they are safe. One of the parents I assisted with at church held a three-year-old boy. He was precious, smiling from ear to ear.. After his parents picked up his brother and sister, he waved goodbye. I thought about the beautiful innocence of life that this little boy extended at such a tender young age, wishing such was the case throughout society. If we could just love others, forgiving those that have hurt us, helping those that need help. Treating others the way we want to be treated. It isn’t a one way street. Basically, it’s walking out the Golden Rule. Jesus said:
“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them.” (Matthew 7:12)
I’ve been perusing the document, State of the Bible - USA 2024, put out by the American Bible Society. I love the work - the research - this society does (as well others like the Barna Group and Orange). Such publications act as barometers, giving us a better understanding of where people are today in their walks with Christ. As I read chapter four, “Love in Action,” I thought of the broken world we live in. And the little boy who smiled and waved goodbye. The two aren’t synonymous with each other. But I, like many others, know that that gap can be reconciled.
In a somewhat positive view, below is a chart illustrating some of the data presented in chapter four regarding being a good neighbor:
https://www.theouttop.com/s/Being-a-Good-Neighbor.jpg
As you can see on the chart, there are seven categories of groups that the American Bible Society highlighted regarding “being a good neighbor.” The numbers are encouraging. It is hoped that this chart enlightens and inspires the reader to embrace potential opportunities to help others, whether it’s next door, down the road, or across the oceans. Regardless of whether one rents or owns a home, is a Baby Boomer or a Gen Zer, or lives in a rural or suburban area, we all can help each other.