The Three Rules Of Human Conduct

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• In the great parable of the compassionate Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), we see illustrated three basic rules of human conduct. The first two of these rules are based on “selfish” attitudes toward our fellow man. The remaining rule is based on a “selfless” attitude toward our fellow man. Let us illustrate the three rules:

Iron Rule

A certain Hebrew man was traveling the twenty-mile-long road that led through a barren region of crags and ravines from Jerusalem to Jerico. As he journeyed, he fell victim to robbers who tore off his clothes, beat him, and left him half-dead by the roadside. The bandits’ reasoning was: “We are several; you are one. We are strong; you are weak. You have possessions; we want them. Case closed.” Theirs was the “clenched-fist” rule of iron.

Silver Rule

As the man lay wounded, unable to help himself, presently a Jewish priest came by, and then later, a Levite (one who served the priests in temple ceremonies). Both, likely horrified by the bloody scene, crossed to the opposite side of the road, and hastened their steps. Their respective thinking doubtless was: “This tragedy was not my fault. It’s none of my affair or business, etc.” They did not kick the afflicted Jew; they did not rifle his pockets; they simply passed on. They were the “silver-rule” men.

Golden Rule (Matthew 7:12)

Finally, a Samaritan (normally, a dedicated “enemy” of the Jews (cf. John 4:9) came by. He saw a fellow human in need and was moved with compassion (Luke 10:33). He tended the injured man’s wounds, set him on his own donkey, and conveyed him to a nearby inn where, amazingly, he paid for his lodging and pledged even more! (Luke 10:35). The Samaritan’s code of ethics was this: “But for the grace of God, I could be writhing in agony by the roadside. What would I desire on my behalf if our respective circumstances were reversed?” It did not take him long to find the answer, for his compassionate heart was bathed in the “golden glow” of divine love (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Conclusion:

From these three illustrated “rules” of human conduct, which one (or ones) do we incorporate in our daily walk among men? For the faithful Christian, the “golden rule” is the only “selfless” rule to incorporate and make application of in our walk and relationships among men. None of us will ever observe it perfectly, but let us never replace it with the two remaining selfish rules of conduct. Rather, let us applaud it, and strive for its lofty heights.