Matthew 7:12-14
Suggested further reading: 1 Kings 18:16-24
In all doubtful matters between man and man we have a
general principle for our guidance (v. 12). We are not to deal with others
as others deal with us. This would be pure heathenism and mere
selfishness. Real Christianity deals with others as it would like to be
dealt with.
This is the golden rule indeed! It does not merely forbid all
petty malice and revenge, all cheating and overreaching. It does
much more. It settles a hundred difficult points which arise between
men, not by laying down endless rules, but by one mighty principle.
It gives a balance and measure by which duty is defined. What
would we like others to do to us? Let us do it to them. What would
we never want others to do to us? Let us not do it to them. A rule
for honest use which decides many problems!
We are also given a caution about the way of the many in
religion. It is not enough to think and do as others, to follow the
fashion and swim with the stream. The way that leads to life is narrow
and few travel on it. The way that leads to everlasting destruction
is broad and full of travellers. These are fearful truths which ought
to raise great searchings of heart in the minds of all who hear
them. Which of the two roads are we on?
We Maywell tremble and be afraid if our religion is that of
the multitude. To go and worship and hope like the rest is to
pronounce our own condemnation. This is the broad way whose end is
destruction. It is not saving religion.
We have no reason to be discouraged and downcast if the
religion we profess is not popular and few agree with us. We
must remember our Lord's words (v. 13). Repentance, faith in Christ
and holiness of life have never been fashionable. The true flock of
Christ has always been small. It must not move us to find that we
are reckoned singular, peculiar, bigoted and narrow-minded. This is
the `narrow way'. Surely it is better to enter into life eternal with
the few than to go to destruction with a great company.
For meditation: Human religions can easily gain adherents
because all that is required is obedience to rules.
Christianity requires a change of heart. This is a work of God and far
more radical than rule-keeping.
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