Life in the Margins
Life in the Margins
On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” .... He answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”1
In Luke chapter 10 we find the parable of The Good Samaritan — a story about a man who lived life in the margins; unconcerned about his time, money or social status. One day as he went about his business, he came upon a man of a different social standing than he, who had been robbed, beaten, and left to die on the side of the road. He could have easily walked on and paid no attention to his surroundings, regarding others’ critics and stares. But he chose to live outside the lines of expectation and in the margins that allowed him the freedom to lend a hand, his time, his money, and his kindness to someone in need. His actions not only granted him a story in the New Testament, but the inheritance of an eternal life with Jesus.
God gave us this, and many other examples in His Word that teach us that following in Christ’s footsteps is not necessarily lived in a straight line. Sometimes it means stepping out of our comfort zone and into the margins; making ourselves available to be good samaritans. God places opportunities, sometimes in the form of people in need, in our path to see how we will use the gifts and talents He has given us. How do we react when we are faced with an undesirable situation? God has blessed us with time — 24 hours every day, some of us with money, and all of us with the ability to be kind. We are blessed to be a blessing! Opportunities that lead to eternal life with Jesus are found in the margins of life!
Suggested prayer: Thank you, Heavenly Father, for blessing me with the ability to help others when it is in my power to do so. Fill me with the desire to follow in Your footsteps and be more like You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.
1. Luke 10:25 & 27 (NIV).
Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.
All articles on this website are written by
Richard (Dick) Innes unless otherwise stated.