I think this is a wise insight, DavidH. The problem I see–and that you are hinting at–is that we might be missing the real motivation/reason to serve: Christlike love and charity. Hopefully we’re doing all of our organized service with good motivations, but it’s always good to step back and check. If our service hearts are in the right place, we probably will find time and energy to serve organizationally and individually.

Nothing wrong with that. But I think that illustrates the dilemma for Latter-day Saints–many of us, including me, focus so much of our energy on this service organized by the Church that we are left with less time or energy left for individual, unscripted service, particularly to those outside our faith community. It may be that our brothers and sisters who are “less active” in the formally organized service of our community have more time and energy to nurture non-missionary-minded friendships with those outside our faith community and perform such individual unscripted acts of service. And (irony alert ahead) perhaps the Samaritan who stopped to help could do so, in part, because he was not on his way to an important religious meeting. (Hat tip, for the last sentence, to Elder Franklin D. Richards of the 70.)

That of course does not mean that we are limited to helping within the structures of the church. We have been given, with our moral agency, the ability to accomplish much righteousness without being asked or directed. For example, I have been edified and enlightened by many of the postings and comments that you all have offered here at timesandseasons.org, including this one.

DavidH, I’m sure you’re partially right in both suppositions. I think my evangelical neighbor also likes our other neighbor for personal reasons. He and his wife are the genuine thing–hence arranging the meals and help without being asked, told, or assigned. They do good because they are good. Who could help but enjoy being around that type of person?