THE GOLDEN RULE IS OF NO USE
UNLESS YOU REALIZE THAT IT IS YOUR MOVE
Dr. Frank Crane
A wonderful thing a person can do for their Heavenly Father is to be kind to His children. Serving others is one of life’s most awesome privileges. Albert Schweitzer said, “The only ones among you who will really be happy are those who have sought and found how to serve.” Pierre de Chartin commented, “The most satisfying thing in life is to have been able to give a large part of oneself to others.” Proverbs declares, “He that despises his neighbor sinneth; but he who hath mercy on the poor, happy is he” (14:21). Follow the counsel of Carl Reilland: “In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy.”
Hunt for the good points in people. Remember, they must do the same in your case. Then do something to help them. If you want to get ahead, be a bridge, not a wall. Love others more than they deserve. Each human being presents us with an opportunity to serve. Everybody needs help from everybody.
John Andrew Holmes said, “The entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others.” Too often, we expect everyone else to practice the golden rule. The golden rule may be old, but it hasn’t been used enough to show any signs of wear. We make a first-class mistake if we treat others as second-class people.
You can’t help others without helping yourself. Kindness is one of the most difficult things to give away since it usually comes back to you. The person who sows seeds of kindness enjoys a perpetual harvest. I agree with Henry Drummond when he said, “I wonder why it is that we are not kinder to each other…how much the world needs it! How easily it is done!”
Do you want to get along better with others? Be a little kinder than necessary. A good way to forget your own troubles is to help others out of theirs.
Theodore Spear said, “You can never expect too much of yourself in the matter of giving yourself to others.” The taller a bamboo grows, the lower it bends. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Everybody can be great…because anybody can serve.” When you walk in the Fruit of the Spirit, others can taste it. Harry Fosdick said, “One of the most amazing things ever said on earth is Jesus’ statement, ‘He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.’ None has one chance in a billion of being thought of as really great a century after they’re gone except those who have been servants of all.”