Do Unto Others

“Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you,
do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets ” Matthew 7:12

This verse is sometimes called the Golden Rule because it is one of the most important things that a person should do.

This verse means that you should treat others the way that you want to be treated. You should not be mean to others, talk bad about them, or do anything else that you would not want others to do to you.

If you know someone has few friends and that others make fun of them, this verse teaches you to not to make fun of them, exclude them, or be mean to them. What if you were that person. How would you want other people to treat you? You should also urge your friends to quit making fun of the person.

This verse teaches us to think about how our words and actions affect other people. We must think about others and not think only of ourselves.

Not only does this verse teach us not to do bad things to others, it should also encourage us to do good things for others.
You probably like to get cards and calls from friends when you are sick. When your friend is sick and cannot go to church or school, why not give them a phone call or send them a card?

You like to get compliments when you get something new or earn an award; be sure to compliment others.

Think how you want to be treated and do it for others.

A Home in Heaven

“In My Father’s house are many mansions;
if it were not so, I would have told you. ” John 14:2

Jesus made a great promise to His apostles. Jesus was about to be crucified. They would be sad to see Jesus die. They would also be sad because Peter would soon say that he did not know Jesus and the rest of the apostles would run away when Jesus was arrested.

Even though Jesus knew that this would happen, He told his apostles not to worry. He knew that He would rise from the dead and the apostles would do great work in the church.

Their greatest comfort was that Jesus was preparing a home in heaven for them. God would forgive them for running away from Jesus.

Those who obey God can be happy even in sad times because they know that they have a home in heaven where there will be no sadness, crying, or death.

Live Like Lamps in the World

Jesus commands His followers to be good examples in the world. Sometimes people in the world will make fun of us for what we believe. Because of this, some people are shy about letting others know that they are Christians. They may not stand up for what is right or not live as they should.

Jesus said that we are like lamps. Before the days of electricity, when one wanted to see at night, he would light a candle or oil lamp. In order to get the best use of the lamp he would put it on a tall lampstand so the light would spread throughout the house.

If he hid the lamp, the room would remain dark. If he hid it under a basket a little light might get out but not enough to make a difference.

Those who love God should be proud to let others know that they are trying to do what is right, but not by acting arrogant. We must make sure our speech is clean, that we tell the truth, and that we dress properly. We should tell others about Jesus and invite them to church. We must try to do what Jesus would do when we make our decisions. Let your light shine brightly!

They Wonder Why You Don’t Party With Them

They think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you. 1 Peter 4:4

Peter wrote to Christians who had stopped doing things that were wrong like getting drunk and partying. He told them that the people that they used to party with will think it is strange that the person quit “having fun” with the rest of the crowd. In fact, some of their old friends would start making fun of them for trying to do right. Some would be jealous because they do not have the strength to quit doing wrong. Others just do not like to see people serving God.

Peter said that the crowd ran in a “flood of dissipation.” They were running in a crowd of wild living. So many people are doing it that it seems like a flood that threatens to destroy everything in its path. Jesus said that the wide path led to destruction but the narrow path led to everlasting life, Matthew 7:13. We need to travel the narrow path with Jesus though many of our old friends might make fun of us for doing so.

We and our old friends must stand before God one day. We want God to be pleased that we left the flood of wild living. He will punish all who will not repent of wickedness.

Do Your Best and Others Will Notice

“Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.” Proverbs 22:29

It is important for us to take pride in the work that we do. Whether we are doing a chore around the house or our homework, we should do a job that we will be proud of. If we excel (do a really good job) in these things, when we get older we will excel in our jobs. When we do our best and give the extra time and effort to do quality work, our teachers, parents, and others will notice it.

Even if they do not notice, we should take personal pride in our fine work. If you are involved in sports, art, music, or any other activity that requires much practice, you know that when it comes time to play the game or perform for others, you will only do well if you have prepared well. We often say, “practice makes perfect.”

People who practice hard and take pride in their work may be rewarded with trophies or medals, high grades, or certificates. Even if they are not rewarded in this way, the efforts will develop good habits in their lives so that they will excel in their work and be recognized as good workers.

I remember working with many people who tried to do just enough work to keep their jobs but no more. They were not respected by their bosses or their fellow workers. Those who try their hardest are respected for their good work. Let that be said of you!