The McDowell times. [volume] (Keystone, W. Va.) 1904-1941, 1940-11-08
THE GOLDEN RULE

THE GOLDEN RULE
LESSON TExT-Luke 6:27-3s
GOLDEN TExT-As We would that men
should do unto you. do ye also to them
hkewise.-Luke 6:3i.
Hiding in q dark cellar will not
stop the sun from shining: it will
only deprive us Of its warmth and
life-giving power. Likewise the fail
ure Of mankind to receive and prac-
tice the great principles of Christian
faith does not alter nor weaken
them, even though it does deprive
humanity Of their blessing.
It may seem foolish to some TO OBJ
serve an Armistice Sunday in the
midst of a world at war, to talk
about the golden rule in a selfish
world where men hate one another,
but the fact is that now is the time
to really proclaim the solution of God
for mans problems. Then too, let
us remember that the failure of
mankind as q whole to receive the
truth of God does not hinder us from
receiving it as individuals. Our re-
lationship to God is an individual
matter, even though we also belong
to race or nation. Our lesson pre-
sents
la Great Christian Principle WV.
27-3D.
The magnificent breadth of this
principle of Christian considera
ton has often been lost sight of in
argument over the detailed inter-
probation of verses 90 and 30. Sure
ly there is not in mind here any
casting to the winds of an intelligent
appraisal of the needs of those to
whom we give; nor is there any
thought Of self-glorifying turning
OF another cheek in physical combat.
1t does not teach that our nation
may not defend itself against those
who attack us. At the same time
we must note that it means much
more than most of us are willing to
read into it's words.
What does it mean? 1t means that
in the spirit of Christian love we
will give of ourselves and our sub
stance in Large handed but thought
full charity" It means love for our
enemies-no small Withholding even
from unreasonable people. 1t means
doing unto others what we would
have them do unto US. 1t IRE
quires that we should sell to others
as we desire that. others sell to US
that we buy Of others as we
desire others to buy of us that
we talk about others behind their
backs as we desire that others
should talk about us Are we
doing it?" CDR. John w. Bradbury.
The Golden Rule is not the Gospel.
No one is saved by living according
to it; in fact, that Is quite impos-
sible apart from faith in Christ.
III. Its Divine Foundation wv. 30
35).
The so-called golden rules of men
lack the divine element of grace and
are all in the negative. Confucius
said, do not do to others what
you would not want them to do to
you" Others spoke similarly, but
Jesus, building on the divine love
which does good to even the evil
and the unthankful ". $50, gives
positive admonition of gracious
consideration of others.
We are the children of the Most
High God ". 35) and are to live
in accordance with His standards
and, what is of equal importance,
by His grace and strength. Even
Christians are prone to live as their
neighbors live wv 32-34) until they
see how much better Gods way is,
and realize that He gives enabling
grace for daily walk in that better
! way.
III. Its Practice and Reward wv.
36-38).
Jesus has already admOnished His
followers to dove and serve both
friend and foe. The manner in
which that is to be put into practice
is further developed by urging them
to be merciful, not setting them
selves UP to judge the conduct of
others, but rather giving literally to
them in a spirit of love. This does
not forbid judging on the part of
those whose official duty it is to
judge, nor does it set aside the exer-
else of sound judgment Elsa. SOL
and l John AID, but it does forbid
unauthorized and unkind judgment.
But will all this pay?" asks DR..
Bradbury lin THE Gist of the Les
son') and answers: Indeed it will
The measure that we use in
measuring out to others is the very
measure God will use in measuring
| in to us. The reason many of us
get so small blessing from God is
/ that we use such a small measure in
our bencficences and blessings to
others" (see Phil. 4:19, noting w. IS
10; II Cor 0:8. noting w. 6, Z; and
l John 3:22, noting w. 1920. lone
of the most fundamental conditions
of prevailing prayer is generosity in
| giving. A stingy man cannot be a
mighty man of prayer prov. 81:
49," Read these verses with care,
and they will bring a real blessing
to your life.
| Giving and Receiving