Looking at the title of this week’s column many people would stop right there and figure that’s how they should live their life, “doing unto others.” Some people do it at home with their own family, others do it at work with fellow employees, and still others do it to anybody that they may come into contact with. How do they “Do unto others?” Well, they use them, they take advantage of them, they “Lord over them, step on them, belittle them, etc. This is not the way we should be living our lives, nor the way we are supposed to treat our fellow human beings.

Others will look at the title and to them it will mean “Do until others before they do unto you.” It sort of a mind set where we think I’m going to take advantage of you before you get an opportunity to take advantage over me. Not all people are out there trying to “take advantage” of others. Some people don’t want to be part of the problem, they’d rather be part of the solution. By working hand-in-hand we can accomplish much more than if we are concentrating on taking advantage of people and wondering how we can climb higher by pulling someone else down.

By now you realize that we are talking about what is commonly known as “The Golden Rule.” The proper way to say it is to “Do Unto Others As You Would Have them Do Unto You.” A lot more of us are like the first couple of groups and are more concerned about “us” than “them.” We would live in a much better and safer place if we all practice this rule. I’ve always tried to place myself in the other person’s place and wondered how I would like to be treated if I was in their shoes. This has worked well for me over the years. However, I believe the most important way to look at this saying, “Do Unto Others,” is to think of yourself as “others.” If you were the one mentioned as “others” how would you like to be treated? It comes down to a matter of common sense and common courtesy, skills this nation seems to be lacking in lately. There is a way to “Do Unto Others” that is not negative and that is by helping out those less fortunate, with our time, money and actions, and prayer. Give it a try, you’ll be a blessing and get blessed in return.