Choosing Not to Pass By

Dear Starmount Friends,
This last week in worship we all heard once again the words of Jesus reminding us of the “Greatest Commandments.”  “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.  You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Mark 12:30-31)
In the Gospel of Luke this same teaching by Jesus is followed up with the story of the Good Samaritan.  This is a familiar story to us all, of how a traveler was robbed and left for dead on the side of the road.  As that man lay there, two different individuals passed by on the opposite side of the road.  They could have stopped to help.  They could have interrupted their journey.  They could have crossed the road to assist the man in need.  However, both of them, for whatever reason, chose to keep walking.  They did not wish to get involved.
It is easy for each of us to allow the demands of life to consume us.  Sometimes, we too see individuals, situations, and injustices in this world that are in need of assistance, but we pass them by and cross on the other side of the road.  We don’t want to get involved.  However, in the parable, the Samaritan had compassion for the injured man and decided to get involved, bandaging his wounds and providing for his healing.  In the course of human history, God had compassion on a wounded humanity and got involved, healing our wounds through the wounds endured by Christ, which allowed for healing and salvation.
Thank you for choosing to not pass by, for crossing the road to get involved in the ministry of this congregation through your financial gifts and your participation.
On Sunday, Nov. 18th, we will gather for Consecration Sunday, where we will once again bring forth our financial gifts and present them to God.  Thank you in advance for your generous financial gifts.  We are truly grateful for all the ways you support this congregation, and more importantly, the ways you give life to your faith in Jesus Christ each and every day.
In Christ,
Charlie Lee