How many of you believe in the Golden Rule? How many of you believe in a specific religion? The unique concept of the Golden Rule or the Ethic of reciprocity as it can be known, is that it is a fundamentally moral principal. Meaning that you don't truly need to be a part of a religion to believe in this rule. Many of us have faith which can sometimes be confused with religion. You can believe in something and use this as your focal point in life. There are 21 different versions in the world from 21 different types of religions. Besides, there is a mixture of religious beliefs and secular beliefs.
I am not here to preach religion or faith. But I will tell you one that I follow. Confucianism : "Do not do to others what you do not want them to do to you." Analects 15:23
Before I tell my story, let's go back 7 months. I was in a restaurant for lunch one afternoon. I found a cell phone where we were seated. I decided to scroll the phonebook to look for some information. I came across numbers for his parents and his girlfriend. I left messages for them all, letting them know that I had his cell phone and to call me. Sure, enough, he called later that day.
My story : I was in the city Saturday night and after dinner, we decided to go to a lounge in Olde City in Philly. As we headed home, we took a taxi to the PATCO, since it drops me off about 5 blocks from my house. Well, as I got home, I realized that not only did I not have my cell phone with me, but that I was missing 2 of my credit cards. (1 was my MAC card)
My Treo 750 phone must have popped off my belt and I must have dropped 2 of my cards when reaching for my money in my pocket. (I carry a money clip) Well, luckily I took the time to put my information in my phone. The cab driver called my work today and told me that he had my phone and cards. I am meeting him tomorrow. I am more than relieved, because that is not a cheap phone and you can't carry insurance on it because of its price.
Here is a book that I highly recommend. Written by T. Rost. This insert is written from George Ronald Publisher Ltd.
Description:Affirmed and discovered anew in every generation, the Golden Rule is a part of the inheritance of the world’s peoples. It is taught in one form or another in all the world religions and systems of belief and can be found among the traditions of the world’s most ancient societies.
This book looks at the Golden Rule as it is variously expressed in each of the major religious systems in the world today. To the author, who approaches his subject from the Bahá’í viewpoint of the fundamental oneness of religions, the Golden Rule is a prime tool for the increase of understanding and dialogue among the different faiths. It has particular relevance to today’s world where more and more people find themselves challenged by life in a multi-racial, multi-religious society, and where the true challenge is increasingly perceived as the evolution of such society into a unified, diverse and peaceful world civilization.
Summary : The world works in mysterious ways. Think before you act. Relate to situations in your life as if you were on the other side of them. How do you treat others? What do you expect in life? Out of life?
And for a great story with a great message, please read this post by Lisa Hill : SETTING A GOOD EXAMPLE
On a side note : I did a search to see how many members have written about this so as not to duplicate anything. And if I didn't mention you, I apologize, there were many. But here are a few good blogs that I came across also.
- 1 Golden Rule and a bunch of Lemmings by : Craig Schiller
- As a Minnesota Realtor, These are the Rules I Live By by : Terri Eckholm
- The Golden Rule and Compeition by : Judi Barrett
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