I used to wonder why common sense has to be pointed out, much less made into rules or laws. It seems that “common sense” is rather uncommon and has been for some time. Of all the things, JESUS could have said, He included “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets” (Mat 7:12 KJV). Doesn’t it seem obvious that we should treat others the way we want to be treated?
As I look across the news and social media posts, I see people are consumed with what they want and who has offended them. Our right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” has become “you owe me and I’m collecting!” Every perceived slight or offence must be paid for in cash or in blood. The offended no longer seek justice, but destruction of the alleged offender. What happened to forgiveness? Compensation is no longer requested, but demanded, making it look more like a shakedown rather than justice! Don’t they see “The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy” (John 10:10 KJV) and they are doing his work?
Politics reflects our societal decay, with outrageous promises being made to special interest groups, who are already drunk with power. We no longer seek the best for our country and people, but have given in to our worst tendencies. Character assassination is used to destroy anyone who dares to resist, with the media echoing the most outrageous accusations. The truth won’t matter as long as their side remains in power! Did they forget “God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Gal 6:7 KJV)?
Maybe that is why JESUS had to mention something so basic? In fact He mentioned it again when asked what is the greatest commandment He said “love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind…And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Mat 22:37 and 39 KJV). Repetition is used for emphasis in scripture and take note He said loving your neighbor is “like unto” loving GOD!
JESUS knew how far man had fallen and would continue to fall. He even said, “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Mat 7:13-14 KJV). He knew man was self-centered and most would follow their own desires and “if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch” (Mat 15:14 KJV). Sadly, that “ditch” is the Lake of Fire!
Does that mean there is no hope? Not at all! There is hope for every soul until they die, because “God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life…God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved” (John 3:16-17 KJV). The first seed of hope is planted when you accept JESUS as LORD and SAVIOR. Then you begin to renew your mind in GOD’s WORD. The HOLY SPIRIT will help you love GOD and your neighbor to GOD’s standard, which is “as I have loved you” (John 13:34 KJV) and that is a commandment! So now that we know, let’s “do unto others” like JESUS did unto us!
Wayne Lance