Dear friends,

What’s golden to you? What really captures your heart? Below, I’ll share a 60-second meditation on what Jesus considered most important in life. He offers a different vision of value that shows the way of hope today.

I’m also sharing the recording of the first podcast interview on my book Reviving the Golden Rule. I’ve never done a podcast conversation like this before. I hope you enjoy the conversation!

Thank you for joining me in reviving the golden rule,

Andrew

True Gold

“In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

– Jesus (Matthew 7:12)

Powerful politicians promise us a “golden age.” They tell us to get behind them and expect to get ahead of others. Jesus made an alternate offer: the golden rule. In this moral economy, others count just as much as ourselves. Our desire is reoriented around everyone receiving the care they need. While a golden age accepts double-standards and increasing inequality, the golden rule aspires for moral integrity and mutual flourishing.

What is golden to you? What might change if you treated “others” with the respect and care you want for yourself?

This meditation was originally published by Red Letter Christians on August 13, 2025. Dig deeper into Jesus’ vision of human value with my book Reviving the Golden Rule: How the Ancient Ethic of Neighbor Love Can Heal the World (IVP Academic), available for pre-order now. 

Podcast:

Pray & Cabernet with Jeremy Jernigan

A few weeks ago, my friend Jeremy Jernigan invited me to talk about Reviving the Golden Rule on his podcast Cabernet & Pray. This was my first time recording a podcast while enjoying wine with a friend. Jeremy pairs creative playfulness and real honesty in a way that I found so refreshing. This conversation zeroed in on “othering,” why it’s so dangerous, and how loving our neighbors can heal it.

Listen to the audio here and watch the video here.

I hope this conversation brings together things for you that might have felt disconnected or conflicted before.