The Golden Rule

There are many in the past who have given us many rules by which to live: the Iron rule, the Silver Rule and the Golden Rule. The Iron rule is “might makes right.” It cares nothing about justice or mercy, but is concerned only with power. The Silver rule is “Don’t do to others what you don’t want done to you.” The Golden Rule, contrary to popular belief, is not “the one with the gold rules,” but “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). While there is a close resemblance between the Silver and Gold rules, there is a very stark distinction between the two. The Silver Rule is very passive and reactive; it gives no calling for service to others. While it looks good on the surface from afar, upon closer inspection, it is found to be quite selfish. The people of God are to be a people of active service to one another. This is the Law and the Prophets.