The following post is by Taylor Sandlin, pastor of Southland Baptist Church in San Angelo, Texas. Sandlin will preach during worship at CBF’s General Assembly in Houston, July 2-3.

I’m excited about this summer’s General Assembly. My wife and I always have a wonderful time seeing old friends and participating in worship. But this year I’m even more excited (or nervous depending on how you look at it). I’ve been asked to bring one of the evening sermons with my friend and former classmate Julie Merritt. The text for Thursday evening is Luke 10:24-37, also known as the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Bringing the message is a big responsibility and I covet your prayers. As I have studied the passage, however, I’ve come to realize that as big a responsibility as leading others in worship is, Jesus makes plain that as his followers we have an even greater responsibility – we must show compassion to those in need.

I wonder if either the priest or the Levite were on their way to lead others in worship? Maybe they’d made commitments months ago that they were afraid they wouldn’t be able to keep if they stopped. When they saw the injured man, did they struggle with the choice between showing compassion and being faithful to their previous commitments? Jesus doesn’t give us insight into their inner conversations. His silence indicates that motivations don’t matter nearly as much as actions.

This has me wondering about this summer. On our way to Houston we will no doubt come across others in need. Will we stop and help even if it makes us late for General Assembly? What about our commitments to those waiting for us in Houston? What about our responsibilities to others who are counting on us to do our part in leading worship? What about our responsibilities to show compassion to those who have no one else to count on? Which is the more important responsibility?

It’s not too late to pre-register for General Assembly – learn more and pre-register for free at www.thefellowship.info/assembly.