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Online Training Recognizing Individual Needs Many years ago, I was a graduate student studying in England. As a field researcher, I interviewed hundreds of clergy across the country. On one occasion, I had an appointment to interview an evangelical minister and his wife who lived just outside one of the major industrial cities in that country. The appointment was set for early evening and I remember vividly walking briskly to their home from the train station, feeling a little uneasy about the approaching darkness and the intermittent drops of rain that had just begun to fall. The interview which lasted about an hour came to a close. As I was about to walk through their front door into the darkness of the night, the pastor called me back. “I am really concerned about your safety walking to the train station at this hour.” His wife agreed, noting that the gentle rain had now matured into a “down-pour.” I stepped back into their hallway, thankful that they had been responsive to the conditions outside. “We want to pray that God would keep you safe and dry,” the pastor said rather softly. They prayed. I left. As I walked past their car in the driveway, I thought about how this couple might have allowed God to answer their prayer immediately by driving me back to the station. At first I was puzzled, and a bit distressed. How could these spiritual leaders be so insensitive? Rather than praying for my safety, why didn’t they get their car keys? But here is the valuable lesson I learned that evening and pass along to you: When we are tempted to dismiss the practical needs of someone else—who we can easily help—we need to be reminded of the irony of asking God to meet their need when we can be the hands of God extended. “Who is my neighbour? said the Pharisees to Jesus. In reply Jesus told the parable of the Good Samaritan. “And who was the neighbour? Jesus asked them in return. The answer was painfully obvious. The one who saw the need, bandaged the wounds, transported the traveler and paid for extended care and lodging. Go and do likewise. These were the words of Jesus as he concluded the parable. Our social action, or response to what we know and see around us, derives its motivation and vision from the practical ministry of the One whom we serve. Service to others is the hallmark of our identification as believers. “By their love for one another,” they shall be identified, the Scripture says. Read, Reflect, Respond Series: Recognizing Individual Needs |
