Do you pay attention to other people? Being a good listener is a valuable skill that you should practice and perfect. But even if you are it can be hard to follow someone’s story. They may tell conflicting facts or leave out essential details. Some may attempt to deceive you but don’t be quick to judge motives. Sometimes they may not tell you the whole story and not even realize it. When you listen to other people make a conscious effort to listen to me too. I can give you the whole story and not only from their perspective. Listen to me and I will give you words of life to reply to them with redemptive purpose. 

Have you ever heard Christians lament that they did not live when I lived and have a chance to follow me in that way? Have you ever felt this way yourself? But consider how few understood my identity and followed me during my lifetime. I told even those who did that it was better that I go away, for I would send the Comforter to be with them and in them forever. You may not understand how one thing was contingent on the other, but do you see how you benefit from the same truth? If you truly understand the meaning and implications of indwelling presence you will be glad you live now.

I told my followers not to seek after the things the gentiles sought after, things to wear and eat and drink, but to seek the Kingdom of God. I gave a few of the things the gentiles seek but the list was not exhaustive. What do people seek today in addition? Perfect bodies that are tall and slender and fit are valued in your culture. There is nothing wrong with a desire to be healthy and to maintain your temple as my residence, but some engage in unhealthy practices for the sake of appearances. You can change your weight but you cannot change your height by worrying about it. Godliness is still more profitable than bodily exercise. 

Have you ever read my response to the question of who is my neighbor and thought, of course he stopped to help, he was a Good Samaritan? This term has become so commonplace that it distorts the meaning of the original passage. For there was enmity between the Jews and Samaritans over doctrinal matters that continues to this day. It was the one outside of true doctrine and practice of faith who stopped to help. To reframe the story and recover the original impact for an audience of modern believers it would be the good gay person or the good atheist. Who is your neighbor?