This story is familiar to many of you; it’s one version of the “Golden Rule,” but stay with me, there is a terrific example and challenge ahead.

Although the Bible is usually recognized as the source, the Golden Rule has its roots in a wide range of world cultures, and is a standard which different cultures use to resolve conflicts. It was present in the philosophies of ancient India, Greece, Judea, and China.

Principal philosophers and religious figures have stated it in different ways. The Dalai Lama said, “Every religion emphasizes human improvement, love, respect for others, sharing other people’s suffering. On these lines every religion has more or less the same viewpoint and the same goal.”

These facts suggest that the golden rule may be an important moral truth.

The parable, or story, of the Good Samaritan really demonstrates the Golden Rule. The familiar phrase “good samaritan,” meaning someone who helps a stranger, comes from this parable, and many hospitals and charitable organizations are named after the Good Samaritan.

A week ago Sunday, I went to the Verizon store to get some help before activating the service on a new phone that had been shipped to me to replace the one that had decided to act up. We have become very dependent on these things that will do everything for us.

Darren was very helpful, as usual.

I was driving a friend’s truck, and when I went out to drive home, the doors were locked and the key was in the ignition. Although we are spoiled with all kinds of gadgets, including electric door openers, I remembered that a wire coat hanger will help get in a locked vehicle.

The auto parts store told me it was illegal to sell a Jimmy, a tool that car thieves use, and they did not have a wire hanger, nor did four other stores that I went in. An assistant manager at Food City gave me some wire that is used to bale cardboard cartons after they are crushed.

So, in 97-degree heat, I attempted to get in the locked truck. Thirty minutes and two bottles of water later, the wire was well worn and the truck was still locked.

I went back in the store to cool down and called a friend for some help. A gentleman heard the conversation and said, with great confidence, that he would help. It turns out that he is a mechanic for a police department in another city and he has a lock-out kit. Of course, he said that it was not in his truck, so he straightened out the wire and went to work.

He went about the task with logic and skill and finally was able to hook the keys from the ignition. As he was pulling them towards the window, which was opened about an inch, they dropped on the floor. He was not discouraged and continued to work to retrieve the keys.

I casually mentioned that this was just like fishing. He smiled and said; “That gives me an idea.” He walked over to his truck, pulled out a fishing pole and set about trying to hook the keys.

After a few attempts he got them on the hook and, just like a fish, they slipped off. As if he does this every day, my new best friend walked over to his truck and put a bigger hook on the line. In two minutes the keys were securely on the hook and he reeled them in.

You can imagine the gratitude and relief that we shared.

A good deed like this should be rewarded, but this “Good Samaritan” would not accept anything. He said, “Oh no, I won’t take anything, just pass it on.”

It’s obvious that he believes that we should “do unto others as we would have them do unto us.”

The challenge is, do you believe that? Even more important, do you look for opportunities to demonstrate that belief?

Our guests who visit us from all over the world are essential to the economy of our area. Will they go home and talk about meeting you? If so, what will they say?