Your Neighbor is God Appointed
What Must I Do? – Part 3

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-28  

Key Verse: Luke 10:25

On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

In most of the important issues of our world there is a tension between two opposing opinions or solutions.  For example, there are problems with being too generous in our help with the poor in that it can enable them and make them too dependent, but there are problems with being too analytical and cynical about giving to the under-resourced of our world.  What is the answer?  Somewhere in the middle. Actually, the tension between the two ideas can serve us well; keeping us in balance.

There are theological issues like this as well.  This idea of works vs. grace is one of them.  Some would swing to one side saying God does it all.  Others swing to the opposite side saying “works” on our part is what is important and a “social” gospel is formed.  Again, the truth is found somewhere in the middle.  There is a tension that we have to live with between the two extremes.  There is no doubt that we are saved by faith, nor is there a doubt that God expects us to fully cooperate in doing all He tells us to do.  Our good deeds don’t save us, but as Apostle James wrote, faith without works is dead.

I believe we won’t come up with the perfect answer; we’ll have to live with the tension.  We must do our best to find the truth in the middle of the extremes.  Let’s go out today rejoicing in all God has done in calling us to Himself!  As we walk through the day, let’s look for ways to respond by our good works!

Father, I want to love you properly and love my neighbor as you guide me.  Grant me your wisdom in the midst of all my decisions.  In Jesus’ name, amen.