Post by tomdurst on Apr 17, 2008 13:47:51 GMT -5
A SIMPLE GUIDE FOR LIVING
by Thomas E. Durst
I believe that the most essential question that we could ask is not what we believe but rather HOW DO WE TREAT OTHERS? Naturally what we believe can greatly affect the way we treat others but somewhere along the line there often seems to be a big "disconnect" between the good things we claim to believe and our everyday living.
Many times religious beliefs and observances as well as power trips of all kinds have been seen as more important than the dignity and worth of the individual. Change will come in the larger world only when each of us makes a definite commitment to change our own lives. If you want a better world then be a better you!
What should be our central concern is the way we treat other people in our everyday lives. Do we extend dignity and respect to everyone at all times and in all circumstances? Are we honest in all of our dealings? Do we think it is so important to "prove a point" that we trample underfoot the sensitivities of others in doing it? Do we speak sharp, hurtful words rather than taking the time to think of something kind and healing? Do we judge others harshly when oftentimes we are guilty of the very same things? Do we feel a great need to "correct" the beliefs or behavior of others? The list could go on and on.
Think about these simple words below when you are even slightly tempted to think that something else is more important than treating others with dignity, love, and a sense of worth.
Matthew 7:12 (The Message)
12 "Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
Matthew 25:31-46 (The Message)
The Sheep and the Goats
31-33 "When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.
34-36 "Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what's coming to you in this kingdom. It's been ready for you since the world's foundation. And here's why:
I was hungry and you fed me,
I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,
I was homeless and you gave me a room,
I was shivering and you gave me clothes,
I was sick and you stopped to visit,
I was in prison and you came to me.'
37-40 "Then those 'sheep' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?' Then the King will say, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.'
41-43 "Then he will turn to the 'goats,' the ones on his left, and say, 'Get out, worthless goats! You're good for nothing but the fires of hell. And why? Because—
I was hungry and you gave me no meal,
I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
I was homeless and you gave me no bed,
I was shivering and you gave me no clothes,
Sick and in prison, and you never visited.'
44 "Then those 'goats' are going to say, 'Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn't help?'
45 "He will answer them, 'I'm telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.'
46 "Then those 'goats' will be herded to their eternal doom, but the 'sheep' to their eternal reward."
I invite you to read ACCEPT EACH OTHER which is on the link below:
ACCEPT EACH OTHER