Bearing Burdens — A LifeWords Devotion

Imagine a suburban street alongside a school. A very small child appears from nowhere and starts running towards the street. What might be the reaction of those nearby? Will they stand back and mutter about how that child needs better discipline? Will they shrug their shoulders and say it is not their child so they bear no responsibility? Will they do nothing for fear of being seen as a busybody? Most likely they would do none of those things. They would rush to prevent the child running on the road and ask all such questions later if at all.

So, when it comes to Christians going astray, exposing themselves to danger, will our reaction be indifference, or timidity, or scorn? In this passage, Paul tells us to get involved, to bring that person back on track, to restore them to their true position. We belong to one another if we are Christians. What happens to one individual affects other individuals. So, no reason to stay aloof feeling it is nothing to do with us. That straying Christian is probably loaded down with fear or guilt or shame or worry. And this is a burden that we can help share. We are never meant to live independently of others. We need one another on the journey.

But if we are to help, we are to be godly in our helping. This godliness is expressed in gentleness and humility. Some who are very inclined to alert people as to the error of their ways are controlling. They may act from imagined moral superiority. Such helping is condescension and an expression of pride. It will add another burden to the person who has gone off track. Those who offer the best help are those who know just how fragile their own faith and morality is. It is sadly true that the faults we find in others are the faults we don’t want to face in ourselves. True burden bearers are not harsh or controlling or superior. They are not interfering fault finders. They are those who know the ambiguities of their own hearts and who want to help and not condemn.

Of course, we can’t just barge in on all and sundry, no matter how much gentleness and goodwill we have. We can’t have a mentality of always looking for lost sheep to bring home. But within our normal church relationships, we will discern with the help of God when someone is wandering in a dangerous direction. Then it is our privilege to bring them back on track, all the time watching our own hearts and motives. Jesus will not have us be interfering busybodies but nor will he have us be passive bystanders.

 

Blessings,