Go and do thou likewise

This week in New Testament we studied some of Christ's parables. I really enjoyed studying the story of the Good Samaritan, found in Luke 10:30-37. This is one of the most famous bible stories and I've heard it countless times so it was interesting to learn about it from a different perspective. The lesson we always pull from this story is that it's important to be kind to and serve those around us, even if they are different from us. This is a good lesson, but I found an even more significant meaning as we compared Christ to the Samaritan and us to the innkeeper, which is just one of many ways to interpret this story. 

Something I learned from this is that Christ is ALWAYS out looking for people to help. He searches for, prays for, heals, and encourages each one of his hurting and struggling friends. No doubt this brings Him great joy and He is an example to us in that way. We should be losing our lives in serving others by putting their needs to the front of our minds and searching for ways to lift them up. This lifestyle is contrary to the expectations of society today. We live in a world of competition, pride, and selfishness, but Christ always gives us opportunities to serve. Just like the Samaritan, He brings those He loves to our attention, asking us to use our gifts and talents to help them.

In the story, we aren't told how the innkeeper treats the victim. Does he offer his best care? Does he actively try to nurse him back to health? Does he offer friendship and support? Or does he do the minimum expected of him? The choice is ours. When we are given opportunities to serve, are we going to just bake the cookies and hand them off without much thought? Or are we going to offer emotional support and sincere prayers for those in our care? True disciples follow the whisperings of the Holy Ghost and not only better the lives of those around them, but they also become more converted through their selfless actions. In turn they are given more opportunities to bind up others' wounds and experience the Atonement. 

This reminds me of a conference talk given by President Uchtdorf, one of my favorites, from October 2014. It is called Living the Gospel Joyful. He says "When we treat God’s commandments and our part in building His kingdom like something to check off on a to-do list, we miss the heart of discipleship. We miss the growth that comes from joyfully living the commandments of our Father in Heaven." 

2 Nephi 2:25 says "Adam fell that men might be and men are that they might have joy." This parable, and this quote from a modern prophet tell us that joy comes from being a TRUE disciple. And I am so grateful that we are consistently given opportunities to emulate Christ, assist in His work, and be a disciple. We may fail sometimes, but we can change. We can grow and become someone He can trust with His precious souls that He so deeply wants us to help.