01.17.08 thequest UPdate

thequest family,

One of our folks who is Branching Out is Cara Kipp (who's hubby Adam shared some thoughts about Storing up Treasures last week and is finishing up at Dallas Seminary). She's getting ready to have their first baby! She's been writing too and penned the following thoughts:

FOLLOWING THE GOLDEN RULE

"In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12 NASB)

I remember specific moments from my childhood when my mother would chant her favorite mantra, "Treat others as you would want to be treated." The saying encompassed so many situations as I grew up: my brother and I fighting in the back seat of the car, arguing with a cousin over which television show to watch, and wanting to date a friend's ex-boyfriend. Her warnings were mostly extended in a "think before you act" sort of way.

But the thought process of treating others in a way we would want to be treated has slightly modified over the years. It has moved from "be nice to your friends" to encompass many different aspects. These include, showing honesty and respect for those I work with - even when that honesty might not be the easiest thing to share. Not judging those with whom I come into contact because we all have our stories and struggles; while I may feel I wear mine on my sleeve, the person in front of me in line at the grocery store may not.

Jesus tells us, "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you." So, I need to show those around me considerable grace and patience because there are many times when I need it.

If I have an unforgiving spirit, who will want to show grace to me? When I need assistance with something I'm struggling with, I need to be available to use my gifts to help my coworker finish the project with which she's struggling. What particularly strikes me, however, is that He says "everything". Not just when I feel like it, or when I am with my "church" friends, but in everything I do.

The lesson of the Golden Rule that Jesus taught 2000 years ago and that my mother started teaching me at a young age still applies today. At least my brother and I get along now.

Discussion/Reflection Questions:

1. Why would Jesus instruct us to follow this rule in everything we do?
2. In what area of your life could you apply The Golden Rule?
3. How would adopting The Golden Rule benefit you?
4. How would adopting The Golden Rule benefit those around you?


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