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)
“Do onto others as you would have others do onto you.” The Golden Rule. The first time I ever heard it was in the 5th grade when my elementary school teacher put those words up on the chalkboard with big block letters. He never mentioned the author of the ‘Rule’, but it clearly was the motto he lived by, and wanted all of us 5th graders to live by.
Little does he know it, but my teacher made a huge impact on me. As the years went by, every time I heard the Golden Rule mentioned, I thought of him and the motto he wanted us all to live by. I did my best to live up to it in my relations with others – when I was selfish and hurtful - these words were always the ones I fell back on to apologize and ask for forgiveness.
It wasn’t until college that I found out who the author of the Golden Rule was. I was working my way through the gospel of Matthew, and was pleasantly surprised to come across the above verse. It was an awesome discovery to learn that the words that had been at the foundation of my life for so many years had been authored by my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I can’t explain the power of the moment, but it strongly reinforced my faith and love for Him.
Over two decades have gone by since I first heard the Golden Rule, but it still remains as special to me today as it did in 5th grade. It always comes to the forefront of my mind on days like today, Thanksgiving, when I fondly recall all the many people and things I have to be thankful for, first and foremost, Jesus Christ.