A Great Question for Today: Do I live by “The Golden Rule?”
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
While teaching the online course I facilitate weekly, we entered a conversation about implementing the Golden Rule in business and management practices. Leo Baubata authored a great article entitled, “18 Practical Tips for Living the Golden Rule.” At the end of this very helpful article, he shared a beautiful poem, written by Eusebius of Caesarea. He suggested reading and praying this once a day, preferably at the beginning of the day:
May I gain no victory that harms me or my opponent.
May I reconcile friends who are mad at each other.
May I, insofar as I can, give all necessary
help to my friends and to all who are in need.
May I never fail a friend in trouble.
The prayer of Eusebius reminds me of an old Chinese proverb (which I’m sure you’ve heard me repeat, time and time again over the years),
“A bit of fragrance always remains on the hand that gives a rose.”
I love this ancient saying so much I’ve developed an entire event/devotional study around it. I cater it towards leadership, but in truth, it speaks to each and every one of us. We are all leaders in our spheres of influence, aren’t we? We lead someone.
I’d love to hear how you live out the Golden Rule. What little ways do you “do unto others as you would have them do to you?” Today, give someone a rose, maybe not a literal rose, but a figurative one. Enjoy the bit of fragrance that remains on your hands.