Yesterday I concluded the four reasons why the priest and Levite failed to help the man who was left to die on the Jericho road: 1) They didn’t stop and help because of propriety, 2) Because of their hurry, 3) Because it was hot and they were uncomfortable, and 4) Because they were afraid. We need to acknowledge that a Samaritan helping and healing a Jewish man was not culturally appropriate. No matter how uncomfortable, fearful, or cautious he felt, the Samaritan didn’t let it hold him back. We know that the Word of God tells us to “fear not!”

The Good Samaritan deserves one last observation. The older I get, the more I believe the way you do some things is the way you do everything. It is the little things you do that prepare you for the big things. Considering the treatment of your pets reflects how you treat people. In the same way that you treat your car, you should treat your country. Increasingly, I realize that the more you do some things is the way you do everything.   

Friend, the Samaritan man was wealthy probably because he was the type of person who would stop and help someone in need. Maybe he was well-to-do because he understood how to find a need and fill it. Being a generous, servant-hearted person makes life worth living, even if you don’t immediately see how it benefits you. Wealth and safety were not important to him. The truth is the best manners or propriety won’t matter on your deathbed. What will truly matter is if you and I carry out the heart of God and show his love and compassion to the world around us!