The Golden Rule should be a shared belief

In Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount a simple statement stands by itself: “In everything do to others as you would have them do to you.”

We all call this the Golden Rule. It is the often-stated but little-used standard of behavior for followers of Jesus.

The Golden Rule is a standard that is easily recognized as right. It is a statement that declares the value and dignity of every human being. From the “Declaration of Independence” to the United Nations’ “Declaration of Human Rights,” this standard of value and equality is recognized as an unassailable virtue.

This basic ethical standard of reciprocity is not peculiar to Christianity. As far as I can determine, every major world religion makes the same or similar statement.

In Hindu, sacred writings we read, “This is the sum of duty: do not do to others what would cause pain if done to you.”

Islam declares, “None of you truly believes until he wishes for his brother what he wishes for himself.”

Confucius taught, “Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you.”

The amazing reality is that in theory almost all the human race embraces the ethic of reciprocity, but we have not ever been able to put it into practice.

I grew up in a family in which the Golden Rule was taken seriously. My parents reminded me of the standard. Did we always succeed? No, but we earnestly tried, and I believe we were better people because we tried. In the years of raising children and marriage relationships, I always have been aware of the Golden Rule standard. Have I always succeeded? No, but because I am aware of the standard and because I have tried, I believe I am a better person.

I am certain that the ethic of reciprocity works on a personal level. For success, two realities need to be present. First, there must be a constant awareness of the standard. Second, there must be some level of commitment to living by the reciprocity standard.

The temptation is to embrace the ethic of reciprocity on a personal level, but dismiss the Golden Rule on the larger stages of life. The truest challenge in living out the Golden Rule is found not in the confines of home or the security of personal relationships. The real challenge comes when we take the Golden Rule into the public arena.

There is no doubt that the practice of the reciprocity ethic leaves everyone vulnerable. This is true of the practice of all the basic virtues of Christian Faith. Loving without reservation leaves us terribly vulnerable. Trusting one another makes us vulnerable. Embracing hope leads us to living with abandon. And that is scary.

Can we handle the practice of the Golden Rule in the public square or on the world stage?

Apparently, in American life we have dismissed the practice of the Golden Rule as impractical. Our standard for foreign policy is self-interest. Our standard for public policy is security.

Earlier this week I flew on a commercial flight from Ted Stevens International Airport. I reluctantly accept the security procedures that now dominate our airports. This time I did not make it through the first try. I had left two quarters in my pocket. The two quarters and my belt buckle were too much for the machine. I am sure that everyone felt much more secure after everyone cleared the system.

Security is becoming a larger and more immediate concern in America — the Office of Homeland Security, FBI, CIA and intelligence arms of the military branches. Security is the growth industry of our nation. Let’s build a few hundred miles of fences.

What would happen if the Golden Rule became the growth industry of America? What would happen if we flooded our society with large signs that said “REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE.” How about bumper stickers?

All of our diplomats should be required to wear lapel pins that declare “REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE.” Could we pass a law that requires “REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE” signs in all public rest rooms? Restaurant menus? Bill boards in all baseball parks?

Could the world be transformed by the practice of the Golden Rule? Do we have the power to start a worldwide movement? Do to others as you would have them do to you.

The Rev. Howard Bess is pastor of Church of the Covenant, an American Baptist church in Palmer. His e-mail address is hdbss@mtaonline.net.