Let us study about the three rules, or philosophies of life, as illustrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35. Iron Rule In verse 30 we read, “A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.” The thieves spoken of here, were living by the Iron Rule. Do unto others before they do it unto you. Or, might makes right, the survival of the fittest. What yours is mine, and I’m going to take it. Sadly, we still have people like that in the world today. The criminal element live and die by the Iron Rule of living. When we take advantage and run rough shod over people, we are living by this philosophy of life and it is not a good choice. Silver Rule In verses 31-32 “And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.” The priest and the Levite lived by the Silver Rule of life. Do not do to others what you would not have them do unto you. What’s mine is mine and I’ll keep it. They did not kick the man that was down, but they didn’t help him either. Most people will fit into this category in general, minding their own business and they don’t go around hurting or harming others. This is good, but it lacks the positive help that others need to be given from time to time. A self-centered spirit is in this mind set, thinking of “me, myself and I.” Golden Rule In verses 33-34 we read, “But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.” This Samaritan lived by the Golden Rule of Life. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” It’s the mind set; what’s mine is yours, and I’ll share it. This rule includes the negative side that I will not hurt or harm you, but also the positive side of what we ought to do to help in times of need. He stepped up to help the man beat up and left half dead. He went out of his way to help and assist in his time of need. Which rule of life do you live by? It is more blessed to give than to receive.
— Dan McKibben
