What does it mean to be a Christian today? Unfortunately, this word has lost a lot of its power and the world would see the word 'Christian' in a number of different ways. Love is another word that has lost a lot of its power. Love, though, is the very foundation of being a Christian and Jesus reinforced this on many occassions. As Christians, we are to love God totally and love others completely. This passage shows the unconditional love that the Samaritan man had for the injured man, by putting the wellbeing of the stranger ahead of his own needs. The challenge for us to today is to do likewise in our daily lives.

Jesus was resolute as He set out for Jerusalem, even knowing what was about to happen to Him. Why did He do this? So that we could be saved from our sins and have our relationship with God restored. As Christians, we need to live our lives as servants to others and reflect Jesus' example He showed us whilst He was here on earth.

In this passage, Paul raises an issue that is still very relevant for us today - the love of money and materialism. We live very comfortably compared to many others. We need to open our eyes to the urgent spiritual and physical needs of so many people in our world. We also need to be content with what God has provided for us and not be proud of our wealth and crave for more. Money is not to be our master. There is only one Master that gets us into heaven, and that is Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we need to be true to God's Word, devote ourselves to Christ and teach what we have learned about Christ with others so that they may fix their hope in God. We need to allow Jesus Christ's Spirit to teach us responsive relationship, responsive support and to learn how to teach others.

In this passage, Paul list the attributes required of leaders in the church. Leaders must lead under the authority of Jesus Christ and are accountable to Him. Leaders need to be in the right relationship with Jesus and care for the people. Leaders need to know the words of Jesus and live as a good example to others. Paul is not saying that leaders need to be perfect, but they must be disciplined in their life and have the respect of others. Whilst this passage is directed to church leaders, the same applies to all Christians and we need to aspire to the way God wants us to live.