Introduction

·        Illustration: Thomas Huxley said, “A feeling of uselessness is the severest shock that a human system can endure.”

·        The secret to a happy life is not in keeping busy, but in being useful.

·        The Good Samaritanis a good representation of what it means to be a useful, caring person.

·        Big Idea: The ultimate standard of a useful life is not what you think and expect of yourself as much as what you are willing to do for those around you.

Transition: Applying this story to our lives requires concentration on three keys to a useful life.

Avoid the danger of generalities.

·        Christianity is not a philosophy; its approach to life is concrete.

·        The gospel calls us to test our belief by acting upon it.

      -     Illustration: A cemetery headstone in England reads, “Here lies Thomas Cobb, who mended shoes in this village for 40 years to the glory of God.”

·        Neighborliness is not a generality; it is serving the needs of individuals.

Be aware of what is important.

·        Jesus implied that all the religious rituals in the world were not as important as the fellow who lay bleeding beside the road.

·        Jesus’ choices were always made in terms of people and their needs.

·        The Samaritan did not act out of an expectation for reward or thanks.

·        The Good Samaritan was motivated by a good conscience, a sense of satisfaction, and a desire to be able to say he had led a useful life.

Help others help themselves.

·        The Samaritan’s intentions were to get the wounded man on his feet, not to make him dependent upon charity.

·        Illustration: Williams works with a nonprofit organization that finances cottage industries in Venezuela to teach skills leading to financial independence.

Conclusion

·        Jesus lived the model of usefulness.

      -     Philippians 2:7; Acts 10:38

·        A useful life is not defined by knowing who our neighbors are, but in demonstrating neighborliness.

·        Jesus said, “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).