Want a rule for life? Try this one . . .

Genesis 7; Matthew 7; Ezra 7; Acts 7

Today’s reading is about two well-known Bible passages: John 3:16 and Matthew 7:1. However, the one that catches my attention is also familiar. We call it the Golden Rule . . .

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.” (Matthew 7:12–14)

My first thought is how different the world would be if we lived out this rule, but would it? Would everyone agree on the best way to be treated? A child has different ideas than a parent. A greedy employee has different ideas than his boss. Women have different wants than men.

Not only would those differences confuse the issue, how many children would give back to their parents what they want for themselves? How many workers would give back to their employer what they would like for themselves. How many women would treat their husbands the way they want to be treated? I’m generalizing, but in thinking about it, the Golden Rule is not as easier as it looks.

The context offers one explanation. Jesus said to enter by the narrow gate. He is talking about the narrow way to eternal life, that life that is abundant and comes from Him. The broad way (trying to run my own life) leads to destruction. The narrow way is narrow because few find it. Jesus adds more . . .

“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21–23)

The goodness that the Golden Rule refers to is a goodness that comes from and flows through people who know God. This is not merely knowing about God but having a personal relationship with Him through redemption and the new birth. Jesus also said:

And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3)

Those with that kind of life are able to pass it on without selfish motivations. Otherwise, living by the Golden Rule becomes a “what’s in it for me” way of life. Anyone who is ‘nice’ to me because they want something makes me feel used and disrespected and I’m sure that goes both waysl

How do I want others to treat me? this is a great question. I want them to listen when I talk to them, respect my thoughts and opinions, correct me or at least question my errors, pray for me when I come to mind, bring me soup when I am sick. The list is longer, but this is enough to keep me busy for a long time!

Discernment: yes . . . judging: no

Of the spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12, the most difficult to live with is the one called prophecy. In biblical times, this gift was associated with the prophets and the authors of Scripture. It is defined as “the ability to deliver representative declarations of the mind, will, or knowledge of God.” Few people liked the prophets.

Since the completion of the canon of Scripture, many would say this gift no longer exists because it is no longer necessary. In contrast, some abuse it by calling themselves prophets and telling other people, “God says that you . . . .” followed by descriptions and directions for them, often given in a critical or superior way.

Another view is that this is a spiritual gift and should be understood as the ability to understand the mind, will, or knowledge of God, and it is better labeled as “spiritual discernment.” People with this gift are able to see issues in the lives of others the way God sees them. This does not mean they are without issues themselves, but they just have insights that others don’t notice. These folks are supposed to take their insights back to God in prayer.

Unfortunately, many with this gift abuse it by having a black and white a critical spirit. They are unpopular with their continual expression of what is wrong with everyone else. This is why Jesus said . . .

“Judge not, that you be not judged.” (Matthew 7:1)

In Chambers devotional for November 23, he says a most helpful thing: “When we discern that people are not going on spiritually and allow the discernment to turn to criticism, we block our way to God. God never gives us discernment in order that we may criticize, but that we may intercede.”

Again, this gift is for prayer, specifically intercession for people with problems. It is not to be abused by critically judging others, gossip, or in any other way.

In today’s devotional, Chambers gives warnings about that abuse. He says in the spiritual domain nothing is accomplished by criticism. It pushes the Holy Spirit out of the way. I have no right to think and act as if I am better than the Lord and can show someone what is wrong. If I abuse that gift, I will wound others, not help them. I’ve no business playing Holy Spirit.

Not only that, when I have a critical attitude, I cannot pray. It marks me as vindictive and reveals my pride in thinking I am a superior person. God blesses humility. I cannot expect His blessing when discernment leads to a critical spirit.

Chambers says to “stop being a measuring rod for others” because there is always one fact more in every situation about which I know nothing. For instance, a friend made a decision that perplexed me. I tried to understand her motivation and when I could not, my attitude toward her decision became critical. Last night, God clearly showed me why she did what she did. Immediately I felt compassion for her and ashamed of myself. Now I know how to pray for her, but also clearly see that being critical, even speculating, was not the way to go.

The verses following this “do not judge” command reveal that when I see something wrong in another person and judge them for it, that same problem is in my own heart and life, likely to a greater extent than what I’m seeing in someone else. I need to deal with my own sins and issues before I have clarity about the needs of others and a deep concern for their spiritual well-being. Then I can obey this command, but only then . . .

“Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1)

When God shows me my sin, pride cannot rise up, nor can a critical spirit remain. As God shows me my sin (the log in my eye), then I must deal with it. I cannot judge anyone else. Discernment into the will of God must begin with looking in the mirror and realizing that apart from the grace of God, I am the worst of sinners.