Command 18 : Do Unto Others | Day 121

Treat Others Like Royalty!

This command is very clear and practical. If we want others to treat us like royalty, we must treat them in the same way. By making a list of how we would like to be treated and by meditating on God's Law, we can compile an effective strategy for how to treat others.

We usually recite the Golden Rule as follows: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." However, the order given in Matthew 7:12 indicates that we are first to determine all the things we desire from others, and then do those same things for them.

The Golden Rule will be fulfilled in our lives when God's Law is the basis of our daily decisions.

Notice how God's Law gives clear direction on how to fulfill basic human desires:

1. Recognize the importance of each person. God created each person in the world in His own image and sent His Son to die for him. (See Genesis 1:27 and John 3:16.)
2. Respect inalienable rights. God requires punishment for those who assault others and death for those who shed innocent blood. (See Genesis 9:6.)
3. Honor and protect a good name. Those who bring false accusations and damage to others' reputations are to be severely punished. (See Deuteronomy 19:18-19.)
4. Protect private property. If someone steals a sheep, he is to restore four sheep, and if he takes an ox he is to return five oxen to the owner. (See Exodus 22:1.)
5. Assist during emergencies. Not only does the Law require helping friends, it also requires protecting the property of our enemies when it is endangered. (See Exodus 23:4-5.)
6. Warn of unforeseen danger. If we fail to warn those who are in danger, God will hold us personally responsible for what happens to them. (See Ezekiel 33:8 and Proverbs 24:11-12.)

When it becomes our priority to fulfill the desires of other people, we will reflect the character that Paul praised in Timothy when he said, “For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's" (Philippians 2:20-21). By fulfilling the basic desires of others, we also fulfill the Law.

“For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Galatians 5:14).

The application of this command is often in tangible ways that do not "make sense" to our human minds. One example is that of a man who owns a football liner manufacturing company. He made a practice of helping his competitors whenever he saw that they had a problem. They were amazed that he would do this. As the years passed, many of these companies decided to drop this particular product line and directed their customers to the one who had helped them. Today, this Christian man's company has a virtual monopoly on the production of football liners.

Let's purpose to do good to others, not for what we can get from them, but for how we can demonstrate Christ's love to them.