CAPA Corner: The Golden or Platinum Rule?

    Growing up I often heard the statement, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you!”  This was referred to as the “Golden Rule” and was derived from Matt 7:12 which states, “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them.”
    Unfortunately, many times people “Do unto others as others have done (or perceived as to have done) unto them” or worse yet, “Do bad things unto others simply because you want to!” 
    I would like to boldly proclaim that I am a “poster child” for carrying out the “Golden Rule” but alas there is still much room for improvement!  I would like to share a few things that I have found that are helping me on my quest to carry out the desire to treat others properly.
1.  Life’s bumpy experiences.  When I experience the brunt of someone’s total disregard for the Golden Rule, I make a note of how it makes me feel.  Thus, when I am overwhelmingly tempted to treat someone in the same manner, I have a reference point to go back to in order to rethink my intended actions or words.  
2.  Observation of others.  I watch how people treat or speak to each other.  In the end I gain two valuable perspectives form this exercise.  First I can observe how the action made the recipient feel and secondly I observe how the perpetrator appeared to all who saw the action.  Consequently, I have adopted the following phrase: “You just ought not to treat people certain ways!”
3.  Christ’s example.  Most importantly, I look to the Word of God!  Jesus always had the propensity to take things to a higher level.  When he gave, what we call the Golden Rule, he was speaking to people struggling with the concepts of the law.  However, just before Christ, the Good Shepherd, was to “lay down His life for the sheep” he said a new commandment I give unto you.  As the disciples listened intently Jesus took it to another level by saying, “Love others as I have loved you!”  
    That’s a “Game Changer!”  That’s not a “Golden Rule” its platinum, titanium, and diamond!  I like to call it the “Platinum Rule!” The scripture tells us in Romans 5:7-8, “For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”  It wasn’t because of my goodness that I received the benefits of Christ’s actions; it was because of Christ’s love for me!  This demonstration of love, the “Platinum Rule,” changed the course of history!  
    You could help change the course of history for someone’s life and we all could help change the world around us!  We are called to be a reflection of Jesus Christ to this world.  The next time you encounter a situation that tries to prompt a visceral response, pause, take it to another level, and remember the Platinum Rule!  
Ron Erickson
Future Hope Ministries