Matthew 7:12 
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (NIV)

“Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God’s Law and Prophets and this is what you get.” (The Message)

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Initiative is a key indicator of anticipated success. 

Those who lead the way often get their way. 

Now, to be clear, there is more than one way. There’s only one right way, and too many people don’t choose that way. Jesus tells us here in the verses that follow that taking the easy way isn’t the easy way. This is the way where you don’t want to lead the way. 

The way you do want to take the lead is by doing what is right, just, fair, kind, and compassionate. We have a whole list of things we want people to do for us. Why not seize the initiative and do it for others? If “monkey see, monkey do” is true, then let’s give people a proper view. 

Wouldn’t the world be different if the average adult behaved like the average teenager who works at Chick-fil-A? 

Just a thought. 

A successful life is built on learning to live and love like Jesus. “What would Jesus do?” is a good question to keep in mind. It’s a good lifestyle to live. Jesus said it’s the kind of life that stands the tests of time and the storms of life. He also says that if we do not live this kind of life, we tend to come to a sudden, final crash. Keep reading down the page of Matthew chapter 7 to see the details. 

Now I’ve got to go get ready for a breakfast meeting this morning, and I have multiple opportunities to put into practice what Jesus says here right from the start. It’s time to seize the initiative to live and love like Him. 

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I will seize the initiative to live and love like Jesus.

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Our Father, thank you for this wise instruction. Thank you for its truth. Empower us to seize the initiative today to live and love like Jesus. Put your thoughts in our minds and your words in our mouths. Make us kind to everyone we meet. Amen.