FROM THE PASTOR
In today s message I will begin by asking what you hear from several sets of verses. One of those sets is Galatains 6:1-5. Two verses, 2 and 5, within that set will be briefly highlighted, but not expounded on because they are not the focus of the message. Yet, they too are inportant.
Galatians 6:2 (NASB)
2 Bear one another's burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:5 (NASB)
5 For each one will bear his own load.
At first glance one might think these verses contradict. But you’d be wrong. Verse 2 concerns burdens others are able to assist in relieving at least some. This ability falls into a large variety of areas. Verse 5 however, include burdens that must be carried by the bearer only. One example is a woman giving birth. No one can take the place of the mother during the birthing process. That does not mean that the person in verse 5 is abandoned or left without encouragement though.
Note something that might otherwise be missed… this is a command. Neither action is optional, responded to at our convenience, or dependent on how we feel about the situation, or the person involved. I firmly believe our actions related to these verses will affect our rewards at the Bema Seat of Christ.
Now, I am human. I too struggle. I’ve been known to even argue with God on occasion. “Yes Lord, but what about those who get out of a hole and turn right around and walk the same path again putting them right back into the same hole again… and again… and again?” “How many times do I help them? After all, I’ve dug them out several times already.” I believe these verses give us the answer. There comes a time when someone must dig themselves out. But to dig, they need access to a shovel, knowledge how to use a shovel and a willingness to pick the shovel up… sometimes by necessity.
Our duty is to point them toward a shovel… maybe even furnish the shovel. But we are not always required to do the digging. Sometimes we just show them the shovel, encouragement them to grab the shovel, explain how to hold the shovel, reassure them in the use of the shovel and then step back and cheer them on. But, so they stop walking the same path, there comes a time when they must dig for themselves. None of that can occur if we are always doing the digging.
But it doesn’t stop there. We need be there when they finally dig themselves out. I believe we have a responsibility to support them as they walk a different path. Just like God, who accepts us the way we are but never leaves us to wander in that condition. He always walks with us by changing us and making us a new creature in Him (2 Cor 5:17). He then conforms us to the image of his Son so the pitfalls in our journey have no power over us.
How many times has Christ bore the burden and then walked with us in our life? Are we not called to daily be more Christ-like in our actions?
Matthew 7:12 (NASB95)
12“In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets.
Thank you for your faithfulness. Pastor Larry
