As much as I’d like it to be one or the other, I’m to aim at both. Okay, what am I talking about? Or don’t I have a clue and maybe I just like to hear myself talk? Be kind and let me explain.

Reading Luke chapter 10 in the New Testament, we encounter two amazing stories. The first is about the decent and caring Samaritan, the only one who lifts a finger to help some beat-up guy left by the roadside. Even the religious high mucky-mucks cross to the other side to avoid troubling themselves.

Immediately following this parable is Jesus’ and His follower’s visit with friend Martha, who rags on Him for allowing her sister Mary to leisurely sit at Jesus’ feet, cool as a cucumber, taking a breather, kicking off her sandals, without a care in the world, soaking in all the wisdom that Jesus has to offer while Martha slaves away in the kitchen, fuming over the next-to-nothing help she snags while working her fingers to the bone getting ready to feed this starving mob who seemingly won’t lift a finger to help her. I’m exhausted, along with Martha, with this run-on sentence!

Leaving bent out-of-shape Martha for the moment, the Samaritan story is about caring for some needy person, even going out of your way to lend a helping hand. And who’s the one doing this good deed in Jesus’ story? A Samaritan. Uh oh. Jesus chooses such a poor example. What was He thinking? After all, a Samaritan? There must be a better choice. He blows it this time. Or does He?

You know how the ancient Israelites and Samaritans got along, don’t you? Hardly at all, to put it mildly. In the Republic of Ireland, we rode on a jaunting cart through a lovely city park in Killarney. The driver, an Irishman with obvious funnybone, asked me the last names of my immigrant Irish family members. I tell him but notice a scowl on his face. Since my mother’s family is from Northern Ireland, the cart driver puts two and two together and announces that I’m starting the ‘Troubles’ all over again with names like Gibson, Moore, and Preston! We laugh but resentment lies close to the surface on that divided Emerald Isle. Similarly, referring to a ‘Good Samaritan’ offends Jesus’ people. Yet the point remains–get busy helping people even those we wonder about or don’t like.

How about that Martha/Mary spat? Well, it’s as plain as the nose, ample as it may be, on my face! I love Martha-types. Busy people. Hard-working. Dependable and reliable. Who keep their word. Promises made, promises kept. AOK–action-oriented types.

However, that’s not all. Following Jesus involves worshipping Him. Relaxing at His feet, eager to hear whatever He says, soaking in His wisdom, taking in all you can, never letting your Bible gather dust.

But then we must put what we learn into action. Not being good for goodness sake. But for Him. It’s a delicate balancing act. We often err on one side or the other. I do.

So, let’s try to get it both ways. Love the Lord your God and help others. I know that it’s much easier said than done. I don’t even like writing this. But it’s in the Bible. If God says it, that’s settled. It’s so. Enough, already!

Adore your Savior. Encourage someone in need. A good plan for this week? You think? Let’s give it more than the good old college try. Much more.

Lord Jesus, I love you and want to serve you. For your sake. Amen.