If we’re willing to compare ourselves to our “Exemplary Samaritan,” we have to admit that there’s plenty of room––Grand Canyon-sized room––for us to improve. Since our resemblance to him is murky at best, the status of “Good Samaritan” seems a little too lofty to take on. So, let’s at least aspire to the rank of “Improving Samaritans.”

Jesus wants us to follow him––copy him, if you will. That doesn’t mean we’re on a path to become junior saviors. It means we’re aspiring to be Christlike all the way to our fingertips, pointing other travelers in his direction. For a long time now, I’ve imagined just two words on my headstone to describe my time here on earth: He tried!

I propose that we try by putting the following targets in our sights.

Starlette Thomas said, “As his disciples, we should be close on his heels and always be found in his company––no matter who he is keeping company with.”

Good neighbors (and Improving Samaritans) are especially helpful, friendly, kind, obliging, hospitable, civil, and generous.

[An excerpt from my book: Missional, Merciful, Worshipful Christians. In addition to getting, reading, and applying the book, you could be a big help with a great ministry in San Francisco’s Tenderloin. Here’s how!]