12 Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets. 13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. (Matthew 7:12-14 KJV)
The Golden Rule
We must make righteousness our rule and be guided by it (Matthew 7:12). Lay this down as your principle: do to others as you would have them do to you. This rule helps us follow the previous teachings, such as not judging or condemning others (since we would not want to be judged or condemned ourselves). Additionally, God will not hear our prayers if we are dishonest in our conduct (Isaiah 1:15-17; 58:6,9; Zechariah 7:9,13). We cannot expect to receive good from God if we do not act fairly and honestly with others. Devotion without honesty is hypocrisy.
The golden rule is: whatever you want others to do to you, do the same to them. Jesus teaches us not only what to believe but also how to act—not just toward fellow believers but toward all people. The golden rule is to treat others as we want to be treated. Even Alexander Severus, a heathen emperor, admired this rule, had it written on his walls, often quoted it in judgments, and honored Christ and Christians because of it.
We must not return evil for evil, nor do what we think we could tolerate if done to us, but rather what we would truly want done to us. This is based on the commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” We should extend to others the same kindness, fairness, and consideration that we desire. The meaning of this rule ‘do to others what you would have them do to you’ lies in three things:
- We must treat others in a way that we ourselves recognize as fair and reasonable.
- We must see others as equal to ourselves and recognize that we are as obligated to them as they are to us.
- In dealing with others, we should imagine ourselves in their situation and act accordingly. If I were in their position, how would I want to be treated? This is important because we never know when we might find ourselves in their circumstances.
The reason for following this golden rule: It is the summary of the law and the prophets. The entire Old Testament teaches our duty toward others, which can be summed up in this principle. Jesus reinforces it as part of His teaching, showing that both the Old and New Testaments agree on this command. If we compare this rule with the lives of many Christians, it becomes clear how far short we fall.
We must make religion our priority and live carefully. Jesus compares this to entering through a narrow gate and walking a difficult path (Matthew 7:13-14). There are only two paths: right and wrong, good and evil, leading either to heaven or hell. Everyone is walking one of these paths—there is no middle way.
The path of sin is described as follows:
- It is appealing because the gate is wide and the way is broad. This path allows people to indulge their desires without restraint. They can follow their own passions without restrictions.
- It is crowded because many people choose this way. If we follow the majority, we will be led into wrongdoing. It is natural to go with the flow, but it is foolish to choose damnation just because many others are going the same way.
- It leads to destruction. The end of the sinful path is eternal separation from God. Whether it is open rebellion or hidden hypocrisy, if it is a life of sin, it will lead to ruin unless there is repentance.
The path of holiness, on the other hand:
- It is difficult and discourages many. Conversion and regeneration are the gateway to this path. It requires a change of heart, the breaking of sinful habits, and the denial of self. We must humble ourselves, let go of worldly attachments, and be willing to give up everything for Christ. The gate is narrow, but thank God, it is not closed.
- The way is challenging. After entering the gate, we must walk a path of discipline, self-denial, and endurance. Sinful desires must be resisted, and we must persist in doing what is right even when it is difficult. This road requires perseverance through hardship, yet as our hearts and minds grow stronger, the path becomes clearer and more rewarding.
- Few find and choose this way. Many ignore it because they do not want to put in the effort to seek it. Others see it but reject it because they do not like its restrictions. Those walking toward heaven are a small number compared to those heading toward destruction. Yet, instead of being discouraged by this, let us determine to be among the few who follow the right path.
Despite its difficulties, the way of holiness leads to life—both the joy of God’s favor in the present and eternal happiness in the future. The hardships of the journey will be more than repaid by the glory of heaven.
Therefore, enter through the narrow gate. Life and death, good and evil, are before us. We must choose wisely. No rational person would prefer an easy road to destruction over a difficult road to eternal joy. Do not delay or hesitate—enter now. Knock with sincere and persistent prayer, and the door will be opened. While we need God’s grace to enter and continue on this path, that grace is freely available to those who seek it. Conversion is hard, but it is necessary—and, by God’s help, it is possible. If we strive, we will succeed (Luke 13:24).