We all know the Golden Rule: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

But do you know the Golden Result? It’s a direct corollary to the Golden Rule:

“Other people will usually treat you the way you treat them.”

Not always, but usually. Because that’s how God made us.

Here is a short movie clip that illustrates this principle beautifully, while also providing a mysterious subplot and a totally unexpected ending (if the video screen does not appear below,  click here).

This is relational wisdom 101. Blame others and they will usually blame you. Admit where you’ve been wrong, and you’ll be surprised how often others do the same.

Or to put it in RW terms … take a moment to practice self-awareness by asking yourself, “How do I want to be treated?” Then engage others by treating them exactly the same way.

This wisdom is sometimes found in a fortune cookie, but it can be traced to a far more dependable source:

“[Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying … ‘Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets’” (Matt. 5:2, Matt. 7:12).

– Ken Sande

Reflection Questions

• When is the last time you personally saw the Golden Result in action? Did it produce a negative or positive result?
• Is there a situation in your life right now where this principle might improve a relationship? What have you got to lose?

Permission to distribute: Please feel free to download, print, or electronically share this message in its entirety for non-commercial purposes with as many people as you like. If you wish to adapt the questions to better suit your group, please include a parenthetical note (Questions adapted with permission of RW360) and send a copy to mail@rw360.org.

© 2013 Ken Sande

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