There is a fasinating story about three people and three different outcomes of compassion.

“A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. ‘Look after him,’ he said, ‘and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.’ …..Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Luke 10:30 – 37

Wow, what a commentary of our culture.

Why is it that some care enough to change the world and others just are too “busy” to help?

It seems that we want to help… but we  just can’t because….

We have NO HEART – Some people just are so selfish that they have absolutely no compassion (THEY ARE HEARTLESS)

We have NO REWARD – We don’t help others because no one else will notice or we are not on tv.

We have NO ROOM –   We can’t help anyone else because we have too many worries and cares.

..Here is maybe a pretty good idea – Have a Not-to-Do List

Jesus wants you to enjoy a “rich…satisfying life,” without getting bogged down by things that don’t add value or meaning.  – “Clutter isn’t only what you can see; it’s what you can’t see. It perpetuates your overloaded schedule, endless commitments and overwhelming fears. A cluttered mind means over-thinking, over-reacting, over-analyzing, over-worrying, and over-committing.” So:
De-clutter your life by giving yourself permission to have a not-to-do list: Not to feel guilty for saying no to something that may be good, but not right for you. Not to worry about how well-adjusted your kids will be as adults.  Not to feel over-responsible for everybody else’s well-being. Not to answer the phone after a certain time each night. Not to say yes just because you’ve been invited. Not to schedule busy activities on Sundays and family days. Not to buy something just because it’s on sale. Not to think you have to make a meal requiring more than three ingredients, do laundry, clean the house, and spend quality time with your family all on the same day. Not to ruminate over your own, or other people’s mistakes. Not to compare yourself with other people.

Maybe cutting some things you “have to do” off our list will give us more time for things we “want to do.” and what God want’ us “to do.”

Hey America, the more you give yourself permission not to do, the more you free yourself to live a centered, abundant life – THAT WAY YOU MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE LEFT OVER TO GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO HAS BEEN BEATEN UP BY OTHERS BY LIFE OR BUY THEMSELVES.

Downsizing is the thing to do these days.

Steve

lead pastor PFA