Watch out for chance to do good

Well, school has started back, sort of, but on a limited basis because of COVID-19 restrictions. Normally, we’d be encouraged to watch out for the school kids who’d be walking to school or waiting for the bus on busy roads (I know; they’ve played in the streets all summer).

I can recall teaching my children how and where to cross streets and even walk safely and courteously on the sidewalk (some people this day and time act like they don’t even know how to walk down the sidewalk). That teaching was based on an old car-insurance commercial on television that ended with: “Watch out for the other guy because he might not be watching out for you.” The point is, everyone should and needs to watch out for everyone else.

That concept is taught in the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). The verses preceding the parable include the reason Jesus gave the parable. It was in answer to a lawyer’s question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus answered that question with another question about the basis of the Mosaic Law (the Old Covenant), to which the lawyer answered: “Love God with all you’ve got and your neighbor as yourself.” Then the lawyer asked who his neighbor was and Jesus gave the parable, therein showing our neighbor is whomever we encounter, including our enemy.

Loving God, even under the New Covenant, means obeying his commands (John 14:15-18: 15:9-10). Watching out for each other is a demonstration of our love for God (1 John 3:16-18; James 2:14-19; Romans 12:9-16; 1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Looking out for the best interests of others also is looking out for our best interests, which, in fact, we’re to do, but not out of selfishness or false piety (Philippians 2:1-11; Matthew 20:25-28; 19:27-30; 7:12; 6:1-18).

That’s the tough part — giving up the throne of our life. But that’s what Jesus said we must do, even becoming like little children again, to become great in his kingdom (Matthew 18:1-4; 19:14). Basically, if God tells us to do something, we’re to just take his word for it and do it without complaining or looking for a way out. Having obeyed, God will help us understand the why of the command, which in all cases, as already stated, is first to show our love for him, but also because in many cases, it’s in our best interest (Philippians 2:12-15; 3:12-16).

Not that I’m by any means perfect, either, but I’ve found when I’m looking out for the interests of others, or many times, just looking out, I see some of the many great blessings God has showered upon me I never would have seen had I been focused inwardly. So, as you’re driving around town, especially once hybrid schooling starts, keep an eye out for the children and perhaps you’ll see an opportunity to do some good or realize some of the blessings you’ve received.

Oh, to be more child-like!

Leonard Lauriault is a member of the Church of Christ in Logan who writes about faith for the Quay County Sun. Contact him at [email protected]