In our activity-addicted world, many proudly wear busyness as a badge.
While feeling good we’re being productive, it can also become all too easy to go through the day so busy that we’re oblivious to those around us with needs.
Jesus warned us of this in a parable in Luke 10:25-37.
After quoting the great commandment from the law, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself,” a lawyer, wanting to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”
Here’s Jesus’ response (paraphrased with comments):
A Jewish man was on his way to Jericho when thieves viciously attacked him, stripped his clothes, and left him wounded and half dead on the side of the road.
In time, a priest and then a Levite passed by and saw the man. Surely these religious leaders would help the man, wouldn’t they? But no—they both continued on their way—no doubt having important things to do or appointments to keep.
Finally a Samaritan, despised by the Jews, came along, and seeing the man felt compassion. He bandaged the man’s wounds, put him on his own donkey, and took him to an inn where he cared for him. The next day he gave the innkeeper money, saying, “use this to care for him.”
The most unlikely one to help—an enemy of the Jews—the Samaritan was the one who showed mercy. Jesus ends the parable saying, “Go and do likewise.”
How often do we stay so busy that we miss opportunities to help those around us?
We can become so focused on carrying out our own agendas that we fail to hear the voice of God prompting us to stop and get involved in someone’s life—to love our neighbor.
Are we willing to surrender control of our own plans and allow God to interrupt when He needs to?
Opportunities abound every day to love and help those near us, whether it be an encouraging word, an act of kindness, praying for someone, or reaching out with a phone call or email.
Or, if He’s telling us to do so, stopping by the side of the road to help the person with a flat tire.
Ask Jesus to live His life through you today and show you where to get involved. He knows your many responsibilities, and His timing will be right.
As we incline the ears of our hearts to hearing His voice, we’ll find that loving our neighbor isn’t only for when it’s convenient, but a lifestyle of service found in His presence . . .
. . . service that brings great joy and blessing.
Copyright © 2016 Cheryl Elton
Thanks for a great article! I love this parable. Someone once told me “Don’t just tell the world about Jesus, BE Jesus to the world.” What the world needs today is to see Jesus in action, not just hear about him.
Amen to that! Thanks Ken.
I like how the Good Samaritan paid the innkeeper in full. He didn’t say to the innkeeper “Can I have a discount or can you allow him to stay here for free since I am helping him.” Recently at our bike shop, a customer came in with three bikes. He informed us that he was donating two of them and wanted us to do the tune-ups on the two bikes for free, which we did. It appeared to me he wanted to look good giving these bikes but probably not mention our part. And the letter of thanks he said he would send hasn’t arrived yet. I’m not expecting it. We had this happen another time by a church member. So, I like how the scripture says that the Good Samaritan didn’t ask the innkeeper for a discount.
That’s a great point, Lisa. In light of that, part of the message of this parable must be that true loving service doesn’t compromise or look for self-gain. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, true love doesn’t focus on self-gain. And true love overlooks offenses. I was upset that day at the shop and happened to be thinking of this very parable. I was upset by the injustice of doing the repairs for free. Our business isn’t a charity—we have to pay bills too! But, we did the repairs for free. God looks at hearts, mine and the other guy’s. I can overlook the offense and choose mercy. Some day, justice will come to town and He will be riding a white horse!
I’m encouraged by your writing, Cheryl!
I truly do but sometimes I feel one of my “neighbors” is taking advantage of me in her many needs and I pray for the Lord to send “other neighbors” to help with her many needs.
Yes, I understand how that sometimes happens Betty. One person can’t always do everything. I think the key is to act as the Lord leads and not be afraid to say no when needed. God bless you!
This is good, Cheryl. Thank you. My husband used to say, “There is always time to do the will of God.”
Great quote – I really like that. Thanks Sarah!