The Parable of the Modern Samaritan

Influencer, what shall I do to live my best life?

Photo by Maxim Potkin on Unsplash

An anonymous user, underwhelmed with Jesus’s teaching, went to an influencer instead. He asked, “Influencer, what shall I do to live my best life?”

The influencer replied, “You shall love yourself above all else and never let anyone stand in your way!” To which the user, seeking to elevate himself, said to the influencer, “And who is this ‘anyone’ that you speak of?”

The influencer replied, “A man was going down from the coffeehouse to the suburbs on Thursday, and he was attacked by a group of bad guys who took his phone, beat him, and left him unconscious. Walking only a block behind, was another man busily curating and editing photos for an important TBT post on his social feed. He walked by the beaten man but didn’t take notice. Another person came soon behind. She noticed the fallen man as the NPC that ordered boring, black coffee at the coffeehouse. She felt bad for him, but was sure that he’d text someone if he needed help. Finally, an influencer saw the man and felt the empathy of the situation. Realizing this was a moment ripe with fresh content, he began recording. He broadcasted his viral virtue as he helped the man to his feet, brought him to the urgent care, and left with one final selfie, taking great care to ensure that the rule of thirds was adhered to. He left the hurt man with his social media handle, so the man could enjoy the moment later.”

The influencer then asked, “Which of these three do you think was living their best life?” The user replied, “The one who took most advantage of the situation for his own glory?” And the influencer said to him, “Go and do likewise!”