Good Samaritans Among Us

I offer this morning’s devotional in reflection upon my recent experience in Vienna Austria:

Most adults and, indeed, most of their children know the story of the Good Samaritan. And most of us would have a ready answer to the question, ‘According to Jesus, who is my neighbour?’

Our answer would be simple and clear: ‘Everybody,’ and our answer would be right. But that doesn't close the matter. There’s a further question: Is our right answer surface knowledge or dynamic knowledge? Is it strictly correct information, or does it actually affect and determine the way we live?

That’s the crucial question for us all, and it can be phrased in another way: How Christian are we, in fact? Does Jesus’ teaching determine our priorities, our lifestyle, the way we do business, the way we treat one another, our willingness to forgive, our readiness to help?

It’s a chilling thought to remember that Stalin, Hitler, and Mussolini were all baptised Christians who knew their prayers by heart. So how Christian are you really? Check the patterns of your daily choices, and you’ll know right away. The patterns never lie.

Lord Christ, form the patterns of our lives. We open ourselves to Your love. Guide us, Lord, let our daily living be always a reflection of You. Amen