As I listen to programs on television and to people in general, there seems to be a lot of reminiscing going on. In thinking about that, and some of the complaints that people have discussed, I began to think about such people as J.C. Penney, Sam Walton, Dave Thomas, Ray Kroc and Millard Fuller.
What do these people have in common? They all started a business or organization that has been successful. They have been successful because they began with good moral values. When J.C. Penney started his stores, they were known as "the Golden Rule stores." He did not like the word "employee" and used the word "associate."
All these people built their business or organization on the idea that if you treat your employees as you would like to be treated, your business would grow. You treat them with love, respect, kindness, understanding and encouragement. It also will be reciprocated.
One of the first Scriptures we learn when we are growing up is the Golden Rule, found in Matthew 7:12 -- "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Many people today view the Golden Rule as, "Do unto others before they do unto you." Maybe we want to be nice, but I am only going to be nice to those who measure up to my standard ... or ... I will only help people who do it my way. All too often it is I will ... if only.
So how do we treat others as we want to be treated when they don't treat us very nicely or fairly? We need help and where do we get this help? We turn to the Bible and to Jesus Christ.
In Matthew 5:43:44, Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said to love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Anyone can love someone who already loves them. It takes some effort to love those that don't love you or treat you fairly.
How do we go about changing how we do things in the world today? Most of us have someone who is over us ... so how can we cause change?
First, which side of the Golden Rule are you on? Are you doing unto others as you would like done unto you, or are you doing unto others before they do something (usually not so good) unto you?
If you are the latter, then maybe you ought to re-evaluate how you do and say things. Work toward changing to doing things unto others as you would have them do unto you. Will it be easy? No. Will it work right away? Not necessarily.
In the long run, as it changes you, it may begin to change those around you. We reap what we sow ... so what kind of things are you sowing?