In the market for a new home?
Ever searched for a place to move your family?
More tension is involved than looking for cars! So much to consider.
How much house can I get for my money?
Where should the home be located; city, town or rural?
What payment can I make each month?
What kind of down payment can I put down?
What’s the best interest rate I can get?
We have moved several times with Gary’s being called to different pastorates. Sometimes there is a home the church owns that we move into. Sometimes we had to buy a home on the field. We have had a little experience packing, moving and making home choices.
Another important factor in buying a home is, of course, the location! Realtors know the most luxurious home in a bad, dangerous neighborhood will not cost what it would in a safe, good neighborhood. Or a more modest home will have a higher price if in a desirable place.
So, “Where is it?” is one of the first questions asked. What kind of people live around there?
We have had experiences with all kinds of neighbors, as I’m sure you have. Some neighbors were like extended family. We became close. In seminary, when we lived in the apartments of Seminary Village, we had some neighbors downstairs who were blessings in our lives. Other neighbors can be a trial to put up with.
I’m sure you have had experiences with a variety of types of neighbors. The Bible tells us in Luke 10:27 about neighbors. Jesus quoted the Old Testament when he said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, Love your neighbor as yourself.”
The young man questioning Jesus, then asked, “And who is my neighbor?”
In answer, Jesus told him the parable of the “Good Samaritan” who helped an injured stranger on the roadside and provided care for him.
A priest and Levite had passed by the injured man, who had been robbed, doing nothing for him. These men were considered religious and good people.
But it was the Samaritan, the race looked down on by the Jews because they had mixed blood, who bandaged the wounds and treated the stranger’s injuries. He spent his own money to provide a safe place for the stranger and care for his injuries until the Samaritan returned, even saying he would cover the cost of other expenses the innkeeper might have helping the man.
Help came from an unexpected place.
Jesus says we are to do like the Good Samaritan.
How many problems would be solved by obeying Jesus?
Are we good neighbors?
