A passion to serve others is as vital now as it was in the past

and technological advances have changed the way we live.

However, the need for and the way of human relationships and interactions remain the same. The “golden rules” of yesteryears are as relevant as ever today.

First, the “rule of reciprocity” — do unto others as you would have them do unto you. This should be adopted by every society.

You would not want a neighbour to park his car in front of your gate, so do not park your car in front of his gate.

You would want someone to help you when you have a flat tyre on the road, so help someone in need.

You would not want to be hit by a reckless driver, so do not drive recklessly.

You would not want to breathe in second-hand smoke from a smoker, so do not pollute someone else’s air. We would not want to be unfairly treated, so do not treat others badly.

Second, the “rule of use” — if you use what is given to you, you will gain more.

If you fail to use what is given to you, you will lose what you think you have.

We like to believe that everyone has some inborn talent. And this is true. Therefore, it is our responsibility to develop and use this talent to benefit ourselves as well as society.

If you have the talent of organising events or get things moving, you can volunteer to organise projects, events and activities for your community.

The more you get yourself involved, the better you can develop your talent.

On the flip side, if you choose to do things in a sluggish, less than responsible way, you would under develop what you have and may lose it.

Third, the “rule of servanthood” stresses that we need to develop an attitude and passion of wanting and willing to serve others.

Treat leadership or an authoritative position given to you as an opportunity to serve others.

Serve selflessly, give all you have and create happiness in others.

Samuel Johnson, the 18th-century British writer, poet and lexicographer, said: “Happiness is not found in self-contemplation. It is perceived only when it is reflected from another.”

Those who serve most people may often become the most famous and prosperous. But this was not their motive.

We remember Mother Teresa, Bill and Melinda Gates, and Tan Sri Robert Kuok.

Recognition seems to be the inevitable fruit of self-giving service to mankind.

Fourth, the rule of believing in a higher being points us to the Almighty God. Wisdom since ancient times leads men to acknowledge that there are limits to a man’s abilities.

After he has done his best, the rest is in God’s hands.

There are situations or circumstances that are not of their own making or control.

It is in times like this that men draw their confidence, trust and hope from a higher being.

Those with faith can endure, sustain and last longer in times of difficulty and hardship. Those who are fainthearted falter.

Those with faith will keep on going in spite of problems and will overcome them.