onstrates itself through such con cern for those in great need. All of this is brought into sharp focus as the lawyer questioned the Lord. Christ commanded him to go and show mercy to others just as the Samaritan had done. When we come to know God's forgive ness through faith we must also come to share in His compassion with other people. This is the en tire message of the book of James. As believers we should miss no opportunity to perform deeds of kindness and mercy to all men whether they are saved or unsaved (Gal. 6:10). Whatever is done should be for the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31). This principle is a clear guide for all conduct. If you have doubt re garding the value of belonging to some organization or participating in any outside activities apply this truth to it! Make sure your involve^ ment can pass this test. If you are simply giving time for some cause which has no real eternal value it would be best to set it aside. Let us make sure our time is occupied for Christ. Knowing the truth and the Word of God we must stand firm and resolute in the grace which has been bestowed upon us.
report card. Social adjustment and involvement is important even to the Christian. Beginning at Luke 10:25 we have the account of the lawyer who wanted to know what he had to do to inherit eternal life. Jesus gave him the parable of the man on the way from Jerusalem to Jericho who fell among the thieves. It is what we know as the “ story of the good Samaritan." No one has ever been more involved with people than the Lord Jesus Christ. He gave Him self to people in His life and He gave Himself for people in His death. Those who are His ministers today must similarly give them selves to people if they are to bring them to salvation's message of re demption. The question is, how can we be come socially involved with people without becoming partakers of their sinful pursuits? The Bible pro vides adequate guidelines for this area of our lives as well. God has sanctioned involvement when it is for the good of men. The study in Luke 10 gives us a picture of this. Christ is portrayed through the compassionate action of the Good Samaritan. In the par able He is really talking about Himself as being the oGod Samar itan. The victim was on a downward course when he fell among thieves. They left him for dead by the way- side. Consider the callous uncon cern of the priest and the Levite. Such blind lack of concern is ex posed and absolutely condemned. Any profession of Christian faith which gives no rise to compassion for others is not worth anything at all. A genuine love for God dem- Page 5 4
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker