What did I miss on my way to church?

Routines are good. Life is full of routines. We go to bed at a certain time (unless we are finishing some crazy project., or catching up with friends on Facebook, email, etc...), we arise at a certain time, we go to work, attend to all projects, come home, eat at set periods, and go to bed to repeat the next day.

Church services are planned in much the same manner. Sunday School, Sunday Night (although some congregations have opted for one service on Sunday), Bible Study, Revivals (but none like the 13 week ones held during my younger years!). We must "schedule" times to meet.... I know Jesus approved for he said in

Hebrews 10:25
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Meeting together is GOOD.

I do realize, as I get older, that uplifting, exhorting and "provoking to love and good works" can be done ANYTIME, ANYWHERE.

We were always told, growing up in the "church going" community, that the our life should be lived "OUTSIDE THE WALLS"...."We worship God in HERE and serve him out THERE!"

So, living in the "Outside World" is where our true light shines! "Let your light so shine before God, that they may see your good works and glorify your father, which is in Heaven."

"Ye are the salt of the earth."

"Ye are the light of the world, a city that is set upon a hill, cannot be hid."

But what if our "routine" is keeping our focus in one direction, when we should be looking around? I have often thought of this wonderful parable...

The Good Samaritan (according to wikipedia.org)

The parable is found in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37.

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to say to Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?". "What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?" asked Jesus. The man 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.'" "You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live." But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "and who is my neighbor teacher?"

In reply Jesus said:

"A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead with no clothes. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, and he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, he too passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and looked after him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." New International Version

The priest and the Levite were too busy... too busy on their way... somewhere! They didn't have time for a (dog) Samaritan. This abused man was not only needing help, he was judged before he was given a chance. Judged by someone "ON THEIR WAY TO CHURCH" or on their way doing their "routine"... they overlooked an opportunity to minister.

Look around today. Hurting people are everywhere. Some need so much help, that they cannot help themselves. Do you see? Do you care? Will you help?