The Bronze Rule

If you’re not familiar with how the phrase, “the golden rule”, is formed from scripture it’s often used to describe the teaching of Jesus found in Luke 6:31:

“And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”

This is a simple instruction with great consequence. Consider this instruction in light of Galations 6:

“7 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.
9 And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

The phrase “in due season” is an indication that while we may not see immediate results we should have a certain expectation for the future based on our own application of the golden rule in following the commandment of love. Let’s continue this thought with respect to our future judgment. Matthew 7:2 states:

“For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.”

While this verse does not specifically state, “do not judge others”, it again makes it clear what our expectation should be. Finally consider these verses from Romans 14:

“1 Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.
2 For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs.
3 Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him.
4 Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.”

Do we have a bronze rule that allows us to take on the responsibility of God in that we become accountable for what others believe? Are we really able to make them stand? I wonder if God will then hold us responsible for their beliefs as well. Romans 14 states further:

“12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.”