Pastor’s corner

"So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12) This is possibly the most familiar thing that Jesus ever said.

Most people refer to it as the Golden Rule.

It is the pinnacle of social ethics & our behavior toward each other.

It challenges us to be active in extending ourselves to each other.

It is one thing to say, "I must not hurt anyone." It is another thing to say, "I must do something good, kind and useful for people." To do no harm requires no action.

To be helpful requires action.

Jesus teaches us to make love visible by purposely forgiving, accepting, helping, encouraging the people in our lives.

This is action, behavior that makes a difference.

A father said to his son, "Ethics is important." For example, today a man paid me back a loan with a new $100 bill. After he left, I discovered he had given me two $100 bills stuck together. Immediately a question of ethics and integrity arose. I applied the Golden Rule and I gave the extra $100 back to the man.

A father to his son, "My boy, treat everyone with politeness, even those who may be rude to you; for remember you show courtesy to others, not because they are a gentleman but because you are a gentleman."

You may say, "I don't do anything to bother or hurt anyone." That is not the spirit of the Golden Rule. Jesus is challenging us to look for ways to be constructive and to initiate caring actions. Jesus desires to develop in us a moral life that values people through love, kindness, courtesy and respect. People are important. Jesus challenges us through this Golden Rule to respond to people in a responsible manner of love, respect and honor.

Don Moore, Pastor

Colfax Church of the Nazarene