As we continue our theme of walking in the spiritual realm, I wanted to address another aspect of the spiritual life that most often does not fit into our regular schedule. Normally, we cram as much as possible into our day to feel like we have accomplished something of value. We feel as if we must keep up with high level performers whom we will be compared to. We measure our days by how many projects we crossed off, meetings attended or people we have talked to. In many cases we also consider relevance by how far out of our way we had to go to succeed. Rarely do we see a day as successful if we have just paid attention to one thing.

When I consider Christ’s life I only see a few days like that – rushing from one place to another and meeting with one important person after another. So many of the stories and illustrations took place in quiet retreats. Yes, there were the crowds and mass gatherings, but those tended to be the exception rather than the rule and more so in the second and early third year of his ministry.

So, what does it mean to be a Good Samaritan?  It means communicating a motivation for concern, compassion, benevolence, sympathy and empathy to those you come in contact with during your day. It means being available when someone needs you and not being so busy that the urgent takes precedence to the important. I know that I am guilty of this many days with the hectic schedule I try to keep, but that does not make it right. Martha’s approach is NOT always superior to Mary’s.

If we brought this concept down to one word, it would have to be compassion. The Biblical Hebrew (hamal, rachuwm) and Greek (splanchnisomai) words translated as “compassion” also bear a broader meaning such as “to show pity, ” “to love, ” and “to show mercy.” Our English relate the concepts “to be loved by, ” “to show concern for, ” “to be tenderhearted, ” and “to act kindly.” Compassion is indicative of God’s very being (Exodus 34:6). God’s compassion was essential for the maintenance of the covenant and his people praised him for it continually. However, we are commissioned for His service and that includes making ourselves available as good Samaritans to display compassion. To do so we must be available to others and we must not be so busy that we cannot stop to display that compassion.

Like Jesus, we must understand our mission in life. When we have clarity of the primary calling we can determine how compassion is to be displayed in conjunction with our secondary calling. Does what we do allow for compassion under your present lifestyle? That is the question – doing the better thing, rather than just a good thing. Wherever you are and whatever you do, you should display compassion, be a good Samaritan and help those within your reach but it should not draw you outside of your calling in life and vocation.

You will not always be called to stop and help someone wounded, but you may be called to visit sick acquaintances, friends or those who need your insight in a hospital. You may be called to spend time with those who are stressed from a hectic workweek and who do not understand how to deal with an irate boss. Or, you may be called to be the compassionate leader of a community of believers or even unbelievers. Where can you show compassion that is in line with your natural gifting’s? Wherever Samaritans are needed. And, they come in all shapes and sizes. One of them is just your size.

Love Dad