Matthew 7:12

In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Several years ago I led the memorial service for the annual district convention of Rotarians in our area. The Rotary Four-Way Test (used to make decisions in business and all of life) is this:

Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Rotarians pride themselves in living by that standard. I think you can see how it reflects the guide Jesus gave for living: do unto others as you would have them to do you. As part of that service, I did a little research and found a similar saying in virtually every religion. Not just Christianity, but also Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, the Tao, many Native religions…all tell their followers to treat other people in the way they want to be treated.

Since the whole world thinks this is a good idea, we should give some attention to how that happens and what it looks like. If you’re in worship to hear this sermon, you’re about to be invited to help write it. If you’re reading at home, please stop a bit to think about these questions:

How do you want to be treated? What does it look and feel like to be treated that way? Respect? Compassion? Freedom? Appreciation? Like a treasure?
How do you treat people in the same way? What are some examples of ways that you’ve extended the same consideration to others that you want for yourselves? In the way you treat your children & grandchildren? Those who need some help? Those you work with? Those of another political party? Those who are new to our country? Those whose values or actions are different from you own?
What about our world would be different if we were all living by this “golden rule?” In politics? In the way we spend the government budget? In the way we teach our children? In the way we do health care? In the way we incarcerate prisoners? In the way we treat addiction?

Many times we talk about the possibilities of the Golden Rule as Impossibilities. It’s a great idea, but no one can really do it. I suspect that lets us off the hook before we even try. If we can’t get it right, no one can blame us for not trying. It also shifts what we expect of others. Of course politicians look out for themselves. Of course teachers or nurses or plumbers are going to be tired and cranky; they have a tough job. If people aren’t nice to me, I don’t have to be nice in response. The world is tougher than any sissy idea.

Maybe this kind, respectful, ennobling idea is tougher than the world. Maybe if we held ourselves and one another accountable to it, life would be better for everyone. Maybe trying and messing up isn’t as sad as not trying at all. Isn’t it the musical South Pacific the place where they sing about being cockeyed optimists? If every religion in the world believes that people should treat one another well, then that’s a universal call to cockeyed optimism. If everyone believes it’s important, then maybe it’s time to believe it’s possible. Or at least to try.