In the classic ‘coming of age’ book and movie- The Outsiders, in a final scene in the Windrixville church, Johnny says “stay gold Ponyboy”. He encourages Ponyboy to maintain his innocence and goodness. Its a reference to a Robert Frost poem by the same title. (shared below)
Jesus taught what we have now come to know as The Golden Rule… its how we truly stay gold. Summarized, it is “treat others as you want to be treated”. Better yet, “love as God has loved you”. It’s what sets his followers apart because we draw upon the overflow of grace, mercy and compassion given to us by God, which is available to extend to those who do not deserve it.
Treat people the same way you want them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. But love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:31-36 NASB
How can I stay gold today? Who has God placed in my life, perhaps as an antagonist, that I can bless?
Thank you God for Your unbounding love and mercy on display in me. I know that I am unworthy of what You’ve given me. May I be a grace dispenser like You.
Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
Nature’s first green is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day.
Nothing gold can stay.
