In The Master's Service

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BURDEN BEARING

Elder Michael Green, Jr.

Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. Galatians 6:1-2.

Have you watched any of the reality television programs recently? These shows consistently rank at the top of weekly television ratings. One of the appeals of such programming is the intense competition between the individuals. Contests of physical strength and mental prowess are often showcased with rewards and accolades for the winners. The losers are oftentimes ridiculed and ostracized because of their weakness. Not only is this attitude prevalent in 'reality television' but also in other aspects of our culture. Professional ath1etes take great joy in trash talking when they get the best of an opponent. Bullying and division between youths in our nation's schools has reached a critical level. Much of this is learned from our so-called heroes/stars of today. What should be our response to such an attitude? What does the Bible say about how we are to treat those that are in a weak condition?

The Apostle Paul instructs the Galatian brethren to bear one another's burdens. This is in stark contrast to today's philosophy of only the strong survive. As Paul ends his letter to the Galatian church, he provides a series of practical teachings in chapter 6. It is no coincidence that the principle of burden bearing is the first teaching to this church. If we are to be effective teachers, diligent workers and humble servants in the kingdom of God, then we have to manifest an attitude of restoration toward our fellow Christians and show a willingness to bear the burdens of others.

In our opening verse (v. 1) Paul teaches Christians the lesson of how we are to treat others who make a mistake. Popular philosophy says that we should use other people's mistakes/weaknesses against them. The Bible says that we are to restore those that are overtaken in a fault. This means that when someone stumbles along the way in his Christian walk, then we ought to be ready to give him a helping hand instead of exploiting his weakness. You will notice that Paul warns all Christians to consider their own nature lest they be tempted. This indicts us all because we all have our faults. We all fall short! When we look at ourselves in light of the standard of God's word we quickly notice that we miss the mark by a mile. We lift up those that are weak because we are also susceptible to temptation.

Not only are we to restore the one that is overtaken in a fault, we are also to help him bear his burden (v. 2). This means that we are to go the extra mile with our brother/sister in Christ and help him/her in the time of weakness. Often this is when one is the most vulnerable. We are not to exploit those that are in crisis, but assist them in carrying their burdens. Christ has taken away the eternal condemnation of the sins of His people (Romans 8:1), but we are called to help them with their struggles in this world. When we take this attitude we fulfill the righteous law of Christ.

What is the law of Christ? John 13:34 tells us. "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." We are to love one another during the easy times and the difficult. The love spoken of by Christ in these verses is an active love. When we bear the burdens of others we are actively manifesting love toward one another. In John 13:35, Jesus teaches that all men will know that we are His disciples when we have love for one another. As Christians we all should be aware that it is not a T-shirt, bumper sticker or a piece of jewelry that makes one a Christian. The distinguishing mark of the Lord's servants is that they bear up those that are overtaken in a fault and manifest love toward one another as He loves us. It is my prayer that we would put away the 'reality show' philosophy of the strong lording over the weak and humbly assist one another in times of need.