THE "TWO" GOLDEN RULES
"Do unto others as you would others do unto you." or "He who has the gold, makes the rule!"
When we often think of the "Golden Rule," Christians point to the Bible verse in regards to loving your neighbor as yourself, as to our behavior in relationships. The world would say, "Do it to them before they do it to you." In society, we find certain elite groups and individuals who wield influence and power, whether through privilege or ambition, brings forth the betterment or detriment of its people. Thus we find the expression, "He who has the gold, makes the rules." Does absolute power corrupt? This depends upon how we define absolute and the term corruption!
Family is the original cell of society. In the very beginning, after the fall of man, the sons of our first parents, Cain and Abel, find themselves in a conflict. Not necessarily Abel, but certainly Cain. As the oldest he held a privileged position. His sacrifice to God was inferior and disregarded, whereas his younger brother's was acceptable as it was superior, his best! "So the Lord said to Cain: 'Why are you so resentful and crest-fallen? If you do well, you can hold up your head; but if not, sin is a demon lurking at the door: his urge is toward you, yet you can be his master.'" (Gen 4:6,7) Throughout the ages, humanity has attempted to understand and define the forces of nature, as well as himself. So it continues with our limited knowledge and understanding of our relations with each others. We recognize that we are human persons distinguished from every animal within this creation. Of all creation, only with humanity did God say, "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. " (Gen 1:26) What is interesting is that God gave them dominion over all living things that move on the earth, in the sea and in the air. God blessed them, saying: "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it."
Adam and Eve failed to subdue, subdue what? The spiritual forces of darkness, Satan and his legions. It was out of the envy for man that Satan sinned. (CCC 412) Angels were created to be servants of humanity and Satan with his legions rejected this and desired to be served rather than serve. Jesus says he came not to be served but to serve and the greatest among us must be the servant of all. It is the allurement of this world, under the curse through our fallen nature, that entices the abuse and misuse of authority and power. Satan hates humanity and through deception and manipulation leads man in an attempt to grieve God. (Gen 6:5,6) We are not simply inhabitants of this world, but family. As in the Church, we are brothers and sisters in Christ! As with the world and the Church, there must be structure and order. There is even hierarchy among the angels, loyal and fallen. We are called to treat each other with respect and concern. Yet respect and trust are earned!
Scripture says that it is the "love" of money that is the root of all evil, NOT money. (1 Tim 6:10) In Eccl 10:19 it says, "Money answers for everything." Wealth brings with it great power and responsibility. We must understand that everything of this creation belongs to God and that we are simply stewards of what has been entrusted to us. We don't even own our own bodies. All we own is our souls and to that which master we will serve. You cannot serve both God and mammon. You will love one and hate the other. Money can be used for good as well as evil, so it is with power. Interestingly enough, many people enter politics and become very wealthy becoming obligated to certain interests. Ego and vanity begin very subtly to cloud the identity as a servant to one of master. Self interest and blind ambition brings insensitivity to the masses. So it is with the Church and every human institution. Positions can become compromised by ignoring godly wisdom and yielding to evil inclinations. Many with such influence and power are often blinded by thinking they themselves earned this and are entitled. "Rules are made for thee, not for me!"
We are called to be generous distributors of God's manifold grace.(1 Pet 4:10) Yet, so much of humanity has become enslaved to the policies and ambitions of those who would further their own self-interests. "To whom much is given, much is required" is ignored by the desire of self preservation and advancement along with tainted consciences. A day of accountability stands before us, our bodies turned to dust and our souls presented before God for judgment. How will we stand when truth is presented to us? We will stand first of all in our relation to Christ Jesus then account for our time, talents, and treasures. Did we truly serve or desired to be served? Will we hear, "Well done thy good and faithful servant.” or “Depart from me, I know you not!"