Read Amos Chapter 5
Treat Others How You Want To Be Treated.
God speaks to Israel saying, whatever City goes forth in battle will return with very few survivors. Many will die. But seek me that you may live says the Lord.
Amos gets specific as to why Israel is facing the coming wrath of God:
1. Israel is so corrupt that they hate the righteous and abhor those who speak with integrity.
2. They impose high rent on the poor while taking a grain tax from them.
3. They take bribes and neglect the poor in their distress.
4. The people are so corrupt that the righteous are afraid to speak out for fear of what will happen to them.
Those who gain wealth because of their corruption, will have eloquent homes and great vineyards. But God says they will lose it all unless they pursue him with all their hearts.
Don’t be one of those who get caught up into the evil that others are doing. Be determined to be different. Matthew 7:12 says, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and Prophets.”
In other words don’t make life all about yourself. Those who took from the poor, who took bribes, and showed Injustice, made life all about themselves and how they could benefit. There’s no love, compassion, and mercy in such actions. The love of Jesus is neglected.
Don’t let relationships be all about what “I can gain from others,” but instead make it all about “what I can give to others.”
How would you treat others differently if your Focus was on benefiting them versus yourself? How would you treat your friend and enemy differently? How would you treat your spouse and kids differently? How would you treat your coworker or boss differently?
It’s this attitude and behavior that will help point people to Jesus.
