Raise The Bar -- For God’s Sake!

Each day and every day each of us have the same opportunity. We are given the same amount of time, 86,400 seconds. These are moments that are fleeting by each and every day. These are opportunities, if given the opportunity can develop and foster into remarkable achievements, lasting memories, and an incredible impact.

I live in the country where seeing the sunrise and sunset provides a perfect venue because I can see the horizon so clearly. It’s not surprising that I take pictures of many sunrises and sunsets. Each display of colors are a remarkable expression of God‘s glory in His creation. For me, I am reminded and often overwhelmed by the incredible majesty on display in all of the shades and variations of color on display. While these are fleeting expressions, I try to capture something from those moments.

Our days are filled with moments just like those of a sunrise or sunset. Throughout the day we have incredible opportunities to represent the meaning of The Golden Rule. We have every opportunity to demonstrate what Christ meant when He told us to be good neighbors. As He delivered His Sermon on the Mount He spoke on many things including what we now refer to as The Golden Rule.

The Golden Rule was a supplemental teaching from the Old Testament way of life that stated an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Perhaps completing the teaching that clearly was one of retribution to a step beyond reciprocity. In fact, this teaching was so powerful that many cultures, over the centuries have adopted it’s precept in many societies that are healthy and carry the idea of reciprocating relationships.

Researcher and author, Jan Tullberg provides more of an insight and this teaching. See passages referenced from; Luke 6:31 respectively Matthew 7:12. 6 Luke 6:27-6:34.

As seen from the larger quote the context of the Golden Rule is an assertive altruistic argumentation for altruistic deeds and altruistic deeds only. The Golden Rule itself might give a reciprocal impression, but that is not in line with the content. The advice is to be altruistic and act according to the egoistic demands of the other. Tullberg, Jan (2012) "The Golden Rule of Benevolence versus the Silver Rule of Reciprocity," Journal of Religion and Business Ethics: Vol. 3 , Article 2. Available at: https://via.library.depaul.edu/jrbe/vol3/iss1/2 

The author goes on to describe this as extraordinary benevolence that Jesus‘ teachings command. It’s not a tit-for-tat arrangement as we would normally find in a society based on reciprocity alone. The application is rather simple because it is a biblical and Christ-centered approach that sets the bar high, setting the standard on things above.

It’s not enough just to know that the idea exist but it is based on principles that exceed equality and law. It is above standard ethics and something that every Christian should represent.

One of the clearest examples of this is the success story of Chick-fil-A. S. Truett Cathy offered up the idea that is now a famous expression, "My Pleasure." This phrase is spoken by every employee and every opportunity they take in serving others. It is more than a company motto but it is a way of life. They offer quality at an above standard; raising the bar.

You have to imagine, if you are like me, what this would be like if every church, in every community, with every neighbor would offer these simple gestures of kindness. It’s not about responding in-kind but it’s about raising the standard and setting the bar. What if, instead of waiting for your neighbor to be nice to you, that you demonstrate kindness toward them?

Allow me to offer some suggestions and invite you to take on one simple act of caring benevolence toward another. Let me know how it goes.

• Purchase or bake a pie for your neighbor.
• Offer to do a simple chore for someone you know.
• Think of a tangible way you could assist someone in need.
• Complement your waitress service as she serves your meal
• Give not only a tip but an act of benevolence through extraordinary generosity.
• Extend a helping hand before you are called upon to do so.
• Ask your neighbor how you could pray for them and proceed to do that in their presence.
• Offer your tempered response with humility the next time you are asked for your opinion.
• Pay for the person’s coffee or a meal in line behind you at a drive-through restaurant.
• Take a favorite dessert for your coworkers to eat in the break room.
• Demonstrate an act of kindness to a stranger.
• Demonstrate humility to someone you know well.

The scripture says that we should do good works so that in our good efforts we are pointing to God so that He receives glory. (Read more on this from John Piper.) It will enhance our witness while also fully expressing what Jesus meant by The Golden Rule. (1 Peter 2:12)

Raise the bar for God’s sake!