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.