At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, our mission to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us” is rooted in the transformative power of Christ’s love. Through our “Just 3” approach—Study, Share, and Serve—we seek to embody this mission by studying God’s Word, sharing His love with others, and serving with love in action.
In a recent sermon, Pastor Jim reminded us of the profound simplicity and depth of the Golden Rule: “And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31). This principle, also found in Matthew 7:12, calls us to a life of selfless love and generosity, reflecting the heart of God in our interactions with others.
Study: Understanding the Golden Rule
The Golden Rule is more than a moral guideline; it is a reflection of God’s character and His call for us to live in love and grace. In Luke 6:32-34, Jesus challenges us to go beyond loving those who love us, doing good to those who do good to us, and lending to those from whom we expect repayment. He calls us to a higher standard: to love, do good, and give without expecting anything in return.
This teaching is echoed throughout Scripture. In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” This mindset of selflessness and humility is at the core of the Golden Rule.
Share: Extending Grace and Mercy
Sharing God’s love means extending grace and mercy to others, just as He has done for us. Pastor Jim emphasized that God loves us with no strings attached, and we are called to love others in the same way. This means treating others not only as we would want to be treated but as God has treated us—with grace, mercy, and love.
In Ephesians 4:32, we are instructed to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This call to forgiveness and compassion is a powerful expression of the Golden Rule in action. It challenges us to let go of grudges and extend kindness, even to those who have wronged us.
Serve: Love in Action
Serving others is where the Golden Rule becomes tangible. It is where our faith is put into practice. Pastor Jim encouraged us to give without exception, to help without being asked, and to serve just because we want to. This is a call to radical generosity, a call to love in action.
In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Serving others, especially those in need, is a reflection of our love for Christ and our commitment to living out the Golden Rule.
Conclusion: Be the Change
As we strive to “Be the Change as Jesus has Changed Us,” let us remember that living the Golden Rule is not just a command; it is a way of life. It is a testament to the power of God’s love to heal, restore, and transform. By studying His Word, sharing His love, and serving others, we can make a profound impact in our communities and beyond.
At Lakeview Christian Church of Portage Lakes, we are committed to this mission. We invite you to join us in this journey of selfless love, as we seek to embody the teachings of Jesus and be a light in the world.
