Perspectives

Galatians 6:1-5… Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. 2) Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3) If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. 4)  Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, 5) for each one should carry their own load. (NIV)

Paul I believe could not understand or see how any human being would deliberately choose to risk their salvation on their own works rather than on the gracious mercy of Christ. The Bible teaches that we do not save ourselves. It is the difference between freedom and slavery. But, freedom in Christ does not mean license to continue in sin. Even if a person stumbles down the wrong path, those of us who walk in the spirit are called to help by inviting that person back on the right track. This invitation must come from a place of gentle humility. Paul reminds us to watch ourselves and remember that we too may be tested.

Galatians 6:3 reminds us that if anyone thinks themselves to be an important person, or a person of greater respect they are only fooling themselves. Each of us need to evaluate carefully and mull over what we have actually achieved, not measuring us against someone else’s work. Consider the results of stepping back and taking an objective look at ourselves and our accomplishments. When we find character traits and deeds that are Spirit-produced, we can rejoice in them without feeling superior or inferior to other. The only standard we should ever compare ourselves to be Christ; and that is always a difficult standard to measure up to.

Would you agree that we should appraise ourselves accurately? Most of us would think that pride, timidity, or uneasiness could impede or hinder the ministry of burden bearing. Both can lead us to hide our struggles, leaving us to suffer under them on our own rather than to unload them onto God’s shoulder. Certainly, the Lord is strong enough and wants to bear our burdens. Still, there are times when they become unbearable for us. It is times like this when God wants us to go beyond our shyness, sharing them with Him not keeping them to ourselves. I believe it is true that He wants us to give other Christians an opportunity to shoulder some of our load.

Paul now states a grim truth. He insists that life holds the scales with an even balance. If a man allows the lower side of his nature to dominate him, in the end he can expect nothing but a harvest of trouble. It is true that Christ forgives sin – but the consequences of sin remain. It is true that Christ forgives bodily sins – but ruined health is the result. It is true that Christ forgives sins against loved ones – but broken hearts are the result.

When we see fellow Christians wavering under the strain of their loads, we need to come to their aid and help shoulder the weight. As we both give and receive in this ministry, we will fulfill the law of Christ, which is to love others as He loved us (John 13:34) and as we love ourselves. (Galatians. 5:14)… For each person will have to shoulder their own load… To God is the glory.

Would you pray this prayer with me …“Lord Jesus, come into my heart. Forgive my sins. I want my life to change. My thoughts and my attitude need to change. I do not have the peace in my heart that I yearn for. I really want that Peace, joy and happiness that will fulfill my heart’s desire. Please let the Holy Spirit help me be the kind of Christian that will honour Your Name.” Amen.