The Golden Rule seems to escape many of us in times of trial. Why is that? We continue to see the selfish side of human nature. I think we need to start sharing the servant side. I encourage you to make an effort each day to put the needs of someone else above yourself. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Jesus reminded us; Matthew 7:12; NLT;“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
The Golden Rule. Something we are taught from an early age, reminded of often and can recite from memory in one form or another. But yet it doesn’t take much for us to cast it aside and focus on ourselves. What do I need? What do I want? How will I survive? We are in strange times and now more than ever some rules to live by are more significant than ever.
It encourages me when I see people helping people for the sake of making sure they are not forgotten in our haste to take care of ourselves. That is tremendously encouraging. When we as children of God decide to put the things of God before our own wellbeing we start to reflect the unconditional love He showed for us on the cross. There is no substitute for the fulfillment we receive in our heart and soul then that which we receive by honoring God. Especially when we do it without wanting a tickertape parade.
You shall not murder.
You shall not commit adultery.
You shall not steal.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
You shall not covet.
Good neighborly advice. Why? Because we have to live with these people and if things keep going the way they are headed we may be spending more time with our neighbors than we ever anticipated.
I am reminded of the vibrations that run through the garage area when someone steals from another team. There was a time when we didn’t ever have to consider that someone might go into our trailer and take something. Used to be that we respected what belonged to others. In fact I can remember a time when keychains were not required, our house was open and the car key was left in the ignition. Believe it or not there are some places that this is still true. I long for the days when we had mutual respect for others and their belongings. We knew what it took to attain certain things and we didn’t think we were entitled to them for nothing.
It seems today all too often someone can take something and lie about how they received it without more than the simple justification that I deserve to have it. The concept of taking something we didn’t work for or receiving something for nothing will destroy the society we live in.
Don’t misunderstand, there is a difference between having something given to you versus taking something. We are to be giving people, considering the needs of those around us greater than our own, but that doesn’t justify taking something that isn’t yours to possess. Think about that for a moment and you might see some things in our lives that need adjustment.
Creative interpretation of the tax code falls into this category. Also benefits we receive by not being completely truthful about our situations. I can see in the coming months there may be opportunities to manipulate things so that we get something that was intended for someone else. I encourage you to try and avoid putting yourself in those positions. In the long run our euphoria from pulling something over on someone, i.e. the government, will just lead to greater disappointment in the end. Even if we are successful in hiding it from others carrying the burden will wear us down. There is no freedom that is greater than having no skeletons in our closet. Christ provides a plan for relieving the burdens we create when we live our lives counter to these Commandments.
Matthew 11:28-30; NLT; Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Make no doubt about it there are trying times ahead. If we want to get through these times with our lives intact, honoring God and following His guidance is the best plan going. This past Sunday the President encouraged each of us to turn to God in prayer for our country. I would remind each of us to keep on praying. Don’t get tired of doing what is right in the eyes of God. Fight the temptation to get drawn in to the hysteria and fear. Look for opportunities to care for others and help those who don’t have the resources or abilities to help themselves. Let us set aside our wants and needs and consider those of others more important. Hang with me and I think our lives will be the better for it.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.