The Folly of Youth

When I first started driving as a teenager, I had a little problem. Well, not that little, but no harm was done, and I learned from it quickly after two memorable events. The problem was turning the wrong way on a one-way road.

The first time, I had a car full of friends and turned onto a downtown street, only to see a bus coming straight toward us. I pulled into a parking garage while everyone screamed, turned around, and drove off again. Thankfully, the bus was still down the street and moving slowly, so we weren’t in any immediate danger.

The second time, I was trying to do something good and ended up feeling like a colossal fool.

One night at youth group, the pastor talked about never passing up the chance to help someone in need, using the well-known story of the Good Samaritan as an example. I took those words to heart and was ready to get out in the world and help people at every chance I could.

The next day, I was driving and saw a car pulled over on the side of the road. Wanting to do the right thing, I turned onto the street where they were, rolled down my window, and asked if I could help. I don’t know what I thought I, a seventeen-year-old girl, could actually do, but apparently I wasn’t supposed to pass up the opportunity.

A man was behind the wheel, and a woman was in the passenger seat. They both started yelling at me.

“We’re fine! We’re just waiting for someone! You’re facing the wrong way!”

Thankfully, there was no traffic at the time. I turned around and drove off, feeling like a complete numbskull. But I never turned the wrong way on a one-way road again.

Compassionate Wisdom

Helping people will always be the right thing to do. Scripture makes that very clear.

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith. Galatians 6:9–10

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Philippians 2:4

But the Bible never tells us to live recklessly or throw caution to the wind. Common sense and wisdom go hand in hand with compassion. Most of us as adults (hopefully) know better than to turn the wrong way on a one-way street, but there are plenty of metaphorical “one-way streets” we have to watch out for.

It’s a sad truth that there are people in this world who will take advantage of kindness, empathy, and good intentions. That’s why Jesus said we must be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16).

That doesn’t mean we live in constant fear or suspicion. It means we listen for that quiet nudge from the Holy Spirit before we act. Because sometimes, doing the right thing looks like stepping in. Other times, it looks like stepping back.

Sometimes It’s The Little Things

Helping others doesn’t always mean doing something big or dramatic. Sometimes it’s as simple as holding a door, sending a text, or offering a word of encouragement to someone who’s struggling. Those small acts might not get attention, but they matter. You never know, you might have just turned someone’s whole day around.

I remember a time when I was having a really rough day, and I got a nice, encouraging text from my brother, who lives in another city and had no idea what kind of day I was having. That simple thing brightened up my day, and while it didn’t make my troubles disappear, it gave me the boost I needed to get through them.

Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” (Matthew 25:40)

That’s why we need the guidance of the Holy Spirit. He helps us recognize those moments when we can make a difference, whether it’s helping someone stranded on the side of the road (facing the right way, of course!) or comforting someone who is hurting. The right help, offered at the right time, can change everything.