One theme that we’ll regularly come back to here at Awaken is that of serving others. It is not possible to live a great life in isolation. True success is always built with and alongside others. Failure to recognise this reality will consistently undermine your pursuit of fulfilling your potential.
As some of you will already be aware, I am part of a great community of faith called Mosaic. Last night a few of us met to actually discuss a story most of us will almost certainly be familiar with: the parable of the good Samaritan.
Jesus told this story in response to a key question: who is my neighbour? And the story highlights something that is true regardless of whether we have any particular religious preference of not. It is about looking out for the person in need. In a sense, our neighbour is the person we see in need whom we’re in a position to help out.
It’s easy to see our friends and family as ‘neighbours’. But is it really that noble to look out for the needs of those we instinctively care about? Frankly, no.
The parable of the good Samaritan is great in that it transcends religion. In fact, the religious guys screwed up and walked straight by the guy in need. Jesus is saying that if it is in your power to do good, then make sure you do it.
It is worth noting too that the Samaritan went out of his way to meet the need of the person he stumbled across. Being a neighbour to our fellow humans – known or unknown, friend or enemy – will never be an easy option. It’s a tough choice. It will cost us. But this is when we come alive.
Awaken is all about helping people live life fully alive. Serving others and being a good neighbour is at the heart of living life fully alive. It frees us from the monotony of a self-orientated life to a life of true impact and importance.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Great stuff Sam! This is something that is inspiring me at present and you have expressed it brilliantly. Thanks for that! We are having an panel discussion in a week or so on discovering meaning through relationships and this leads into it beautifully. I will send the link to our panel members to get them thinking. Discovering meaning can be such a selfish pursuit until you get more focussed on the lives of others then suddenly meaning becomes obvious.
@Rob | Glad this was helpful! I loved this last sentence you wrote: “Discovering meaning can be such a selfish pursuit until you get more focussed on the lives of others then suddenly meaning becomes obvious.”
I agree with you Sam…what an amazing statement of truth!
And I agree with Rob, this is what life is all about and it’s really inspiring! I’ve emailed this to some friends who are struggling a bit with religion and need these kinds of messages which ‘transcend religion’.
Thanks or being so insightful!
“the monotony of a self-orientated life” … I like that.. i’ve been there done that… not worth it at all.
@Marishka | I’m pleased it’s useful and I hope your friends find it helpful too!
@Lon | Yep, know the feeling!