Do As You Would Be Done By
It is not an easy matter to do to others what you would they should do unto you, when they are not following this rule themselves.
When Christ enunciated the Golden Rule in the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 7, 12, he announced what is the law and the prophets.
“All things whatsoever you would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.”
It is good morals and also contains a masterful business proposition. The reason is, because it is a moral precept, and men are inextricably mixed with morals in all their transactions.
We can not be guided in our actions by what other men do, except in a general way, but every one must be dependent upon his own energies, and be responsible for his own acts.
If we were to do as other men do to us, sometimes, we should be apt to cause a breach of the peace or commit a murder. That is conceded. But the persistent observation of this rule will bring all men around in your favor.
There is reason and common sense to be observed, however, in the observance of every moral precept. Thus: “Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.”
This is good advice coming from the Great Master, but it is not interpreted as meaning that your cheeks shall be turned toward the smiter as long as he chooses to strike. There comes a time when the precept has been complied with, and then let the smiter beware, for a defense will be made.
We know what the Savior means in all His sayings. He inculcates peace if we have to fight for it. So it is well to be guarded in our too rigid observance of precepts, lest we fall into the contrary condition which would deprive us of our manhood.
“Be strong and quit yourselves like men.”