As we plan the end of this academic year and the start of the next with graduation in May and a return to our campuses in the fall, there are preparations and new adjustments we all must make. This season of Easter reminds me of the lessons our Savior taught his disciples as they convened as a group of servants to honor his name throughout the world. We are a community of educators no matter whether we are faculty or staff. As educators, we are also a community of learners that walks alongside of those we teach through our words, conversations and lifestyles. As a Christian community we realize that part of our call as servants and disciples is to be examples for other believers and light to those in darkness. We have read and heard the guidance of Christ for discipleship, but often lose sight of his words in our daily interaction with our students and one another.

As Jesus instructed his disciples concerning their responsibilities as salt of the earth and light to the world, he left them with principles of forgiveness, judgment and generosity, but also the pitfalls in working for the praise of people. To do good in secret, to treat others with compassion, not to worry and to trust the love of God while seeking his treasures. If we are not careful, we will miss or forget the main principle in all his teachings concerning our work and relationships with others: “Do unto others as you would have them do to you (Matthew 7:12).” Jesus said that all the law and prophets are based on this principle. 

God’s first law to love and honor him is followed by his second law to love our neighbors as ourselves. These two govern the application of all other laws and words spoken by the prophets. Jesus made it clear that heaven and earth would pass away before these laws would fail. He decided to provide a new law to give example of the first two commandments. He charges all disciples to love each other in the same way he loved them (John 13:34). Their love would be the sign of their relationship to him. In doing so, they become salt and light to the world.

As a community of faith, Easter reminds us of the teachings of Christ before and after the resurrection. In our work together we remind ourselves “to do unto others as we would have them do to us” so that the testimony of the resurrection remains alive. Let us pray that the gift of life might be manifested in our communities; Christ becoming alive on each of our campuses in a unique way. “We are God’s workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works which he has ordained that we should walk in (Ephesians 2:10).” Let us commit to walk in these works in the spirit of the Golden Rule; doing all our work in the love that we have received from Christ Jesus our Lord.