We’ve all broken the rules. We can admit that, right?
You probably were speeding at some point today. It’s OK to admit it. This is a safe place. 🙂
What happens after we break the rules, though?
We justify it. We outline the reason(s) why it wasn’t that big a deal for us to break the rules:
We wanted something really bad
The rule wasn’t fair to begin with
We didn’t feel like keeping the rule
It didn’t really hurt anyone
…and so on.
What we often don’t consider, however, is this: Every time a rule is broken, there is an offended party in some way. Even in the case of something like speeding, there is an offended party: the law (not to mention speeding puts other drivers at risk).
With that in mind, let’s consider what we do from a different perspective:
What if the shoe was on the other foot? What if you and I were the offended party?
Consider…
It’s easy to cheap out on a tip…but what if you were the waiter/waitress and depended on that tip to feed your kids? How would you want someone to tip you?
Yet, it’s tough to forgive that person for what they did…but what if you were the person who did that thing, you felt shame for it, and you also lived knowing the person you injured despised you? Would you want to be forgiven?
Culture glorifies sleeping with whoever you want to whenever you want, and especially insists it’s no big deal as long as it’s between consenting adults…but let’s say someone else was doing what you’re doing with your future spouse. Is that OK?
It’s fashionable to verbally slam someone when they aren’t in the room…but is that how you want people to talk about you when you aren’t present?
Jesus put it this way:
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” – Matthew 7:12
How do you want others to treat you?
No just on your best days…how about on your worst days?
Chances are you’d like someone to consider what you need instead of just what they feel like.
So before you go and do, ask yourself this question: Do I want someone to do to me what I’m about to do?
That’s how we’re called to live our lives.