Matthew 7:12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”
I want to continue yesterday’s theme of looking around. In addition to seeing new things it’s important to consider how we see the things we look at. Here are two things I’ve found to be true: 1. Everything and everyone we see is filtered through our own worldview. 2. People see what they look for. The best example I can give is from a seminary trip to France for a World Methodist Evangelism Institute seminar for French-speaking Methodists. Before our group went, more than one person told me that the French were rude people. I’m optimistic and really believe that for the most part people reflect back what you show them. Our group learned and worshipped with the French delegates. We went into the small towns and into Paris where we ate and shopped. We went in the spirit of friendship and found friendly people – not one rude person. If we had gone with a chip on our shoulder expecting rudeness we probably would have found it because the people would have reacted to our negative attitudes. If you constantly encounter rude people, maybe you need to examine what attitude you are carrying with you. Do you expect rudeness or do you smile, speak kindly and reflect the light of Christ? It isn’t a magic formula but I truly believe that the more you look for nice people the more you will find them.
Holy Father, Jesus taught us the Golden Rule. Help us to live it in our actions, in our speech, in our judgment, in our gratitude, in our attitudes and in the way we serve and love others. We ask in His name. Amen.
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