Walk Like a Samaritan
When I was a pastor I enjoyed my children talking to me about my sermons. Well… most of the time. I had just finished preaching from Luke 10:25-37 about the Good Samaritan or to be true to the text, “an example of being a neighbor”. I hit the main points – two Jewish men returning from Jerusalem (I of course had inserted church) who did not stop and render aid, and a Samaritan with an undisclosed purpose for being on the road, who not only stopped but helped until the poor man was well. Like most pastors, I made the point that being a disciple of Christ means we need to keep our eyes open for God-ordained opportunities. To actually see people where they are. It also means it will cost us time and possibly our money.
With that background, driving one of my children to practice, I happened to pass by a local beggar at a busy intersection. From the back seat, my attentive child asked why I did not stop. I explained there are professional beggars who use the money for their vices; so we support a local rescue mission that is better able to render aid. I hoped they understood my reasoning but I was speechless when they said, “I get it, you only have to be a Samaritan when you want to!” Not the takeaway I had hoped for but nonetheless telling. It was at that moment I realized my children were watching how my talk was actually incorporated into my walk.
In the same way, during these difficult economic times, our congregations need assurance that our Father will provide what we need. Pastors need to be role models who are not anxious but rather able to teach and live out Biblical stewardship. Please know that this recession will reveal the depth of our personal confidence in His provision and provide many teachable moments. If you are looking for some great teaching tools, check out our resources. May we allow God to shape our walk, so it matches our talk.