This is the first portion of a couple of versions of what one might call words of wisdom. Why do I say it is the first part of two versions? Well, there is a worldly-minded version which says, “Do onto others before they do unto you”. This would be within the worlds standard which tells us to look out for ourselves and don’t let anyone get the upper hand on you. Get the first blow in before the other person gets there shot at you. If you snooze you loose folks, and no one likes to be a loser! Self-preservation is to be the focus of our intentions and to do anything else is setting yourself up for failure and heartache. This kind of thinking may appear rather self-centered, even radical, yet for many in our world today this is exactly the way we are to be looking at conducting our lives.
There is another way to view the beginning and ending of this statement and it is from a Biblical/Christian perspective: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. In fact, Jesus himself, in Matthew 7:12, makes a comment in reference to this ideal. “So whatever you wish others do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets”. This way of thinking and acting is known by a very appropriately titled “The Golden Rule”.
There is most definitely a different take and application of “Do unto others” when applied under the thought process of humans and under the guidance of God and His Holy Spirit. The world would be a better and more God-honoring place if we faithfully followed the Lord’s directive and not that of secularism.
If Jesus was to do unto others as others did unto Him, you, me, and all mankind would be in a world of hurt and hopelessness. For the only outcome of such a response would be a tragic and painful death. Yet, God did not send His Son into the world, nor did Jesus willingly enter this earthly life to bring destruction. No, the Father sent Jesus to fulfill the Law, give His life as the full payment for our sins, and rise to new life, so that we might have the forgiveness of our sins and life eternal. Thanks be to Jesus who in bitter pain gave for me and you His lifeblood from His sacred veins. Jesus did not do what others did to Him, instead He taught us what we are to do as His followers to and for others: Love the unloving, pray for those who persecute you, and be willing to lay down your life, so that others might have life eternal in our and their Savior Christ Jesus. Now go and do as He (Jesus) has done! Pastor McCarty