Carry the weight...

Pastor Terry L. Dashner (www.ffcba.com) This is the third and final paper regarding our study on drawing a line in the sand for Jesus. We stand on one side or the other. There is no neutral position in Christ. It's all for Him or nothing. You will stand for Jesus or fall with the world. This last study concludes the topic on our responsibilities before God. If you are standing with Jesus, you will offer yourself first to God before you offer anything else. If you are standing in Christ, you will take up your calling and follow Jesus, no matter what the costs. Today I want to share with you about bearing your own burden before the Lord. In Galatians 6:5 it reads, "For every man shall bear his own burden" (KJV). Does this scripture contradict verse two of the same chapter? It reads, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (KJV). Which is it? Are we to bear each other's burden or are we to bear our own burden alone? Consider this. In my study Bible there is a footnote attached to help explain the relationship of verse two to verse five. Essentially the meaning is this. In verse two the Greek word for "burdens" is different from the Greek word in verse five translated, "burden." In verse two the Greek word means a very heavy weight, and the Greek word in verse five means a light weight. So what gives? Throughout our Christian walk, there will be times that we fall into circumstances that tax us, that burden us heavily. At that time, we can go to our brothers and sister in the Lord and pray and fellowship with each other. In this way we are helping one another bear our burden before the Lord. That's why it is so important to stay in church and fellowship with other believers. On the other hand, as stated in verse five, there is a burden that the believer must bear alone. It is the calling to which God has called him. For example, God has called me to Gospel ministry. I must bear that burden before God. I can't expect someone else to minister in my place. It is my responsibility before God to "pick up my cross" and follow Christ. I believe the body of Christ is at a crossroads today. It's a pivotal time in Christianity. Jesus is shaking everything that can be shaken. If you are not rooted and grounded in Jesus, you will be tossed about by the mighty wind of His Spirit that is coming soon upon the face of this world. It's time to stand up for God! Every Christian will go through times of downturn seasons. That is normal. And while you are in a downturn, the body of Christ will be there to help you bear the burden. When you come out of your downturn season, don't forget God. Remember, you have an obligation before God and your Christian family to throw your might into the fight to help others who might be going through a downturn. Stay the course always. Keep the faith. Jesus is coming soon. Pastor T.