Matthew 7:12 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.
This passage of scripture teaches us that as Christians it is our sacred duty to live by the golden rule, treating others in a manner that we ourselves would like to be treated, for this sums up the law and the prophets. Our horizontal relationship with our fellowmen is a direct reflection of our vertical relationship with God, for however we treat God, we will surely treat our neighbors, families and friends in the same way, or worse. If we are in the habit of robbing God, we will also rob our fellowmen, for God is greater than any member of the human family, thus a disregard of His rights will also translate into a blatant disregard for the rights of others.
A person who issues bounced checks for goods or services rendered, should not then expect to be paid in a timely manner, or have paying customers, for what goes around, certainly comes around, and the laws of sowing and reaping run their due course with no interference whatsoever. Similarly, a person who steals from others must expect to become a victim of robbery or fraud, because the laws and principles that are written in God's word apply evenly on both sides of the coin, meaning that a faithful adherence to them will naturally result in blessings, whereas a disregard of them will result in a plethora of negative circumstances and curses. This sacred truth cannot be avoided by anyone with impunity, for it is the golden rule of life. Let's read:
Psalm 9:15 The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken. 16 The Lord is known by the judgment which he executeth: the wicked is snared in the work of his own hands.
Many a time when we hear of complaints of problems and mistreatment by others, it's because we ourselves are guilty of the very same sins, yet we often fail to take an introspect look at what we do, to ascertain whether we are walking in harmony with scriptural principles, or if we harboring unreasonable expectations based on an imbalance in our actions towards others. A Christian should be known for implementing the fundamentals of his faith, and elements such as truth, honesty, integrity, sincerity, and loving-kindness are at all times and in all places, to be the principles by which we are guided.
In other words, the Christian will not think it okay to return a faithful tithe, yet rob the electric company of their just dues, nor will he slander others and then expect only good news about himself. It is very important that the word of God be synthesized into our daily experiences, so that there may be no disconnect between our faith and practice. Whenever this is done on a consistent basis, then we can claim the promise which says, "The blessing of The Lord maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it". Proverbs 10:22. But if we practice fraud, swindling, late payments, gossip, and all of those so-called tricks that are popular with the secular world, our Christian experience will always be harassed with doubts, disappointments, and murmurings against both God and man.
Let us therefore seek to honor God in whatsoever we think, do, or say, so that He will be well pleased to dwell with us, and in our interactions with others, let us always consider how we ourselves will like to be treated, and then let us deal faithfully in the appropriate currency. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which emphasizeses the practical side of godliness, and wherever we may have come up short in times past, let us purpose in our hearts to make a right about turn for the better, for Christ was manifested to save us from our sins, and He has promised abundant help for all those who are struggling with the issue of living by the golden rule. Let's read:
James 2:8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!