The Good Samaritan had nothing to gain from helping the incapacitated robbery victim he happened to stumble upon while making his way to Jericho.
No one was there to witness his benevolent act. Therefore, he likely wasn’t going to get any celebrity attention, pay raise or any other kind of honorary recognition because of his kindness.
So with this in mind, what do you think was the underlying factor motivating him to serve in this circumstance?
Perhaps it was the Spirit of Christ in him that gave way to a Spirit of Service.
You see, the Good Samaritan wasn’t concerned about his feelings, agenda or preconceived notions when he saw the wounded man on the road. He was just concerned about the task that lay before him, and that was caring for someone who needed his help.
Could you do the same?
With the exception of the non-negotiables that deal with our faith, could you reject your own attitude toward a plan, decision or colleague if it meant the success of this ministry’s mission or task?
Or could you accept a new attitude toward a plan, decision or colleague if it meant the success of our mission?
Could you demonstrate a Spirit of Service even if it required you to move out of your comfort zone?
Yes, the Good Samaritan had nothing to gain from helping the injured stranger. However, his story was not so much about his “gaining” as it was about his “giving,” and as Christians, we know that it is in giving with a true Spirit of Service that we truly gain.
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.” –Luke 10:33-34, NIV