Defining Moments!

Defining moments! Those occasions when what we really are is made evident. Situations where our true colors have the opportunity to show. Times when our true essence becomes clearest to those around us. What are some of the things that define our life?

There was an English publication that offered a prize for the best definition of a friend. Among the thousands of answers received were the following: “One who multiplies joys, divides grief.” “One who understands our silence.” “A volume of sympathy bound in cloth.” “A watch which beats true for all time and never runs down.” But the definition that won the prize was: “A friend -- THE ONE WHO COMES IN WHEN THE WHOLE WORLD HAS GONE OUT.” [original source unknown]

On one occasion Jesus was approached by an individual who seemed to want a definition of what marked the life of one who would inherit eternal life. ( Luke 10: 25) This man’s focus was on keeping the law, but was obeying commands all there was to it? How about loving God and one’s neighbor? Well, what does it truly mean to love God and also to have a love for others? In an effort to justify himself, this man asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ( Luke 10:29) What might be the defining moment of being neighborly?

We read…
“(30) Jesus replied, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him and departed, leaving him half dead. (31) Now by chance A PRIEST was going down that road, and when he saw him he PASSED BY on the other side. (32) So likewise A LEVITE, when he came to the place and saw him, PASSED BY on the other side. (33) BUT A SAMARITAN, as he journeyed, CAME TO WHERE HE WAS, and when he saw him, he had compassion. (34) HE WENT TO HIM and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn and took care of him. (35) And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him, and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.’ (36) WHICH of these three, do you think, PROVED TO BE A NEIGHBOR to the man who fell among the robbers?’ (37) He said, ‘THE ONE WHO SHOWED HIM MERCY.’ And Jesus said to him, ‘You go, and do likewise.’” ( Luke 10:30-37 ESV)

Two continued on with their own stuff (a priest and Levite), while one (a Samaritan) stopped, CAME TO HIM, and gave of his time and money to see that the needs of this one who had fallen victim to thieves were met. He was also willing to continue to BE THERE for this one by being ready to further take care of whatever else was involved in his care. (vs.35) Truly, while others went out, HE CAME IN. A friend. A neighbor. How do our own actions define it? Jesus urged to “go, and do likewise.”

Have a great day DISPLAYING A GODLY GIVING ESSENCE IN LIFE!
Carl

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