We have work to do. We are the church, the body of Christ. We are the hands and feet of Jesus on this earth at this time. That’s a big responsibility and, as the Monk would say, it’s a blessing and a curse.
I’m reminded of a passage of scripture that is found in the holy writings of most religions. The actual wording may vary a little, but it unquestionably conveys the same message. In my scriptures it’s found in the writings of the beloved physician. In The Gospel According to Luke, chapter 6, verse 31, we read, “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Despite widespread agreement with the idea expressed in this passage, following through is often very hard. This is especially true when the other we apply this to is thought to be our enemy. We may want them to be nice to us, but when we have to be nice to them, it’s a different matter.
The context of this passage is important. In the section right before the “Do unto others” passage we find Jesus teaching people to “Love your enemies.” Here are verses 27-30:
6:27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 29 If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them. 30 Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. 31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
What follows the 31st verse talks about it not being any good to love just those who agree with you.
There is little doubt that our nation is divided. However, what is important is for we who are Christians to treat those on the other side as we would want them to treat us. It is our responsibility to act first and, regardless of the response, we still have to follow what Luke 6:31 says.
In recent times, anytime there is an election, there were those who supported the winning side and those who supported the losing side. What matters is that we act in obedience to the words of Christ. That we treat the “other side” in the same way we want to be treated.
If you were on the “winning side,” how do you want the people on the losing side to treat you? Be honest, think about it, not in terms of winning and losing, but in terms of relationships and respect for one another. Make it clear in your mind. NOW – if you are on the losing side, you have a clear idea of how to treat those on the winning side.
Reverse the idea. If you were on the “losing side,” how would you want the people on the “winning side” to treat you? Again, think about it carefully and be honest with yourself. NOW – If you are on the winning side, you have a clear idea of how to treat those on the losing side.
If you do anything else, you aren’t living by the standards of Jesus. If you don’t agree with me, then take it up with the Lord. It’s to Jesus you will have to answer.
Ross T Lucas 