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Words Don’t Work

            Talking about spiritual things does not make one spiritual.  That is one of the points that Jesus makes in the story that we call “The Good Samaritan” (Luke 10:25-37).
            The story goes that a man was travelling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he is beaten, robbed and left for dead at the side of the road.  Soon, a priest comes upon the scene.  Now remember that this is a “parable”.  It is a story that is told to make a point, so that fact that Jesus chooses to say that a priest is the first on the scene is significant.  Priests knew the scriptures and talked about them a great deal.  However, this priest does nothing to help the man. 
            Next, a Levite comes down the road.  Levites were helpers in the temple at Jerusalem.  They spent their days doing religious things and talking about God.  However, the Levite did nothing to help the man.
            Finally, a man from Samaria comes by, sees the man and helps him.  He puts bandages on his wounds, takes him to an inn and pays for his stay until he has recovered.
            Jesus’ simple summary to this story is “Go and do likewise!” (Verse 37).
            Talking about something is not the same as doing it.  As American author Mary Heaton Vorse famously said, “The art of writing is the art of applying the seat of the pants to the seat of the chair”.  In other words, the only way to become a writer is to sit down and write something.  Talking about writing does not make one an author.  That principle applies to every area of our lives. Talk is not only cheap, it is also a trap because it makes us think we are accomplishing something when, in fact, it usually does little or nothing.  If you want to see change, action is required.         
            The challenge then is to stop talking about good things and to start doing them.  Invite your neighbour over for coffee.  Write to someone and tell them how much you appreciate them.  Do not just think about your friend, call them. 
            Act on your good intentions and you will start to change the world around you for the better.

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