The Good Samaritan in 2011

[Mike]

Someone could argue that the parable of the good Samaritan wasn't given to specifically help travelers who need assistance but to stress the importance of seeing to the needs of our neighbors. But, I'm using this parable to ask the question about what our response should be in this day and age, and where to draw the line between our God-Given discernment and trusting in Him.

Using the parable from Luke 10, suppose there is a stranded person at the side of the road. I'd like to set aside the reality that most people have cell phones and can call for help without putting themselves at risk. The overall question is - Are we not practicing the virtue of servitude, and more importantly, trusting in the Lord, by not seeing to their need. What about general hitch-hikers? It's not as if we can use our cell phone to call a free shuttle to get them where they need to go.

My natural inclination is that the world is much more dangerous in 2011 than it was in Jesus' time, and we need to be wise. But maybe it isn't; we're just made more aware danger by the media. There has been danger of harm from others since the fall. As it says in Ecclesiastes, there's nothing new under the sun. Are we using this as an excuse to not do everything in our power and to not put our faith in the Lord?

 

[taromina2003]

Someone could argue that the parable of the good Samaritan wasn't given to specifically help travelers who need assistance but to stress the importance of seeing to the needs of our neighbors. But, I'm using this parable to ask the question about what our response should be in this day and age, and where to draw the line between our God-Given discernment and trusting in Him.

Using the parable from Luke 10, suppose there is a stranded person at the side of the road. I'd like to set aside the reality that most people have cell phones and can call for help without putting themselves at risk. The overall question is - Are we not practicing the virtue of servitude, and more importantly, trusting in the Lord, by not seeing to their need. What about general hitch-hikers? It's not as if we can use our cell phone to call a free shuttle to get them where they need to go.

My natural inclination is that the world is much more dangerous in 2011 than it was in Jesus' time, and we need to be wise. But maybe it isn't; we're just made more aware danger by the media. There has been danger of harm from others since the fall. As it says in Ecclesiastes, there's nothing new under the sun. Are we using this as an excuse to not do everything in our power and to not put our faith in the Lord?

Hello! You need to define your point. I am not sure what you are asking or articulating.

 

[Mike]

Hello! You need to define your point. I am not sure what you are asking or articulating.

Actually, your post in the Politics Forum prompted me to pose this question that I've often considered. I'm sorry if it's not clear. I'll try again.

Should our love for our neighbor and our trust in the Lord outweigh our instinct for survival if we are put in a potentially dangerous situation? Are we creating excuses when we choose not to help to ensure our safety?

Hope that helps!

 

[taromina2003]

Actually, your post in the Politics Forum prompted me to pose this question that I've often considered. I'm sorry if it's not clear. I'll try again.

Should our love for our neighbor and our trust in the Lord outweigh our instinct for survival if we are put in a potentially dangerous situation? Are we creating excuses when we choose not to help to ensure our safety?

Hope that helps!

That is what faith is all about and our personal relationship with the Father. The more we depend on the Father in our everyday life the more these questions are answered, but who has time? who has the patience? The Father says you are not of this world... well we are especially as Americans who have it all so I guess that is where we should make our starting point.. we have everything so now how do we then do the LORDS WILL? Love they neighbor as thyself! we must trust in the father that if our neighbor crosses us let the Father revenge it. We are not to hesitate because we might get hurt...that goes against all our Christian faith.

 

[Riverwolf]

I had a post awhile back stating how I felt a true christian would and should be doing what I called "works". By "works", I meant good deeds, helping the poor, the bum on the corner. This would also include in my thoughts, the hitchhiker and the stranded motorist. My post was broken down to the ground and trampled by those proving it was not necessary for salvation. I am not trying to derail your thread at all, I think they are similar. So, myself? Yes I stop for stranded motorists, and no most times I will not pick up a hitchhiker, and yes my decisions are based in part on safety. I am hoping to read more replies on this as just now sitting here I am wondering if putting my safety first is the correct answer?

 

[taromina2003]

I had a post awhile back stating how I felt a true christian would and should be doing what I called "works". By "works", I meant good deeds, helping the poor, the bum on the corner. This would also include in my thoughts, the hitchhiker and the stranded motorist. My post was broken down to the ground and trampled by those proving it was not necessary for salvation. I am not trying to derail your thread at all, I think they are similar. So, myself? Yes I stop for stranded motorists, and no most times I will not pick up a hitchhiker, and yes my decisions are based in part on safety. I am hoping to read more replies on this as just now sitting here I am wondering if putting my safety first is the correct answer?

Excellent points. God never said we had to be stupid. stupid is as stupid does. Kinda like spiritual discernment.

 

[Mike]

I believe anything we do is an indication of our spiritual health. I understand the thought on doing good deeds, and I see the connection, but I've always been careful in stressing that these are a response. They are a response that comes natural with a heart that is spiritually healthy.

I just came home from a church town hall meeting to talk about plans for the future. There was so much talk about money, I really felt like the walls were closing in. I won't go into that anymore, except to say I believe you can through in our financial support as well. A congregation and an individual who is spiritually healthy will have a response to His Love that is an indicator of it.

I'm more searching for thoughts of others on this topic rather than defending a stance. I think this is a tough one if you really think it through.