Do unto others...

http://bit.ly/TBQnZP

The link above will take you to Matthew 7:1-12.  This part of scripture has Jesus continuing with the sermon on the mount. He is telling his followers many little things about how to live.

Do not judge... How easily we find things to criticize about others. It is a human thing to find fault in others so as to avoid thinking about our own shortcomings. Jesus says it several ways.  Know yourself and you will be less critical. Know yourself and you won't be so ready to throw stones.

Do not give what is holy to dogs... How often have we given really good advice only to have someone trash it and us? There are people always ready to trash any idea that is voiced in the public forum. It is one big reason good people have a hard time being public figures.  Closer to home, it is best to share what is most important to us only with those who have earned the right to hear such things by having treated us with respect in the past. Offer what is holy to you carefully.

Ask, and it will be given...  Clearly this is not about material goods. Otherwise everyone would win the lottery. So what then? Ask for wisdom, insight, mercy, peace? Maybe. In the context of the above passages, I'd be more inclined to think this is a journey of self discovery and understanding. Sometimes people are afraid to look too closely at themselves because they fear what they might find, or not find. Here is a solid promise that if you seek to know yourself really, you will not be betrayed by the truth. This is simultaneously both the most frightening and most rewarding journey I have ever taken. In light of the passage that follows, there is genuine hope that when one really knows ones self, that peace, mercy and a sense of real certainty about who one is will emerge more clearly.

In everything... This is the most basic law. It is a part of every ancient written code and predates Jesus by at least 2000 years. Do to others as you want them to do to you. This presumes that you already have found a way to love your self or at least don't wish to harm yourself. Do to others... how will that work out if you are a lawmaker who takes this seriously? Or a judge who interprets the law? Or a policeman who enforces the law?  How would this work out if you are a parent, or a child, or a clerk at a store? How about a business woman, priest or teacher? It is interesting how in any situation where one has authority or control over another how differently those interactions might look if we take this seriously.

Don't judge others, do save your personal self for those that can handle it, do seek insight into yourself and when those are all lined up - treat others as your would have them treat you. Good luck friends. Blessings.