Caution in Restoration
Today was a busy and fun day for the Summers clan. Nathan and Stephanie hit the slopes with their boys, Christian came up with his boys to meet them at Loveland Basin. I headed to Denver for a work meeting. While there I ran some errands to be ready for our weekend trip to Glenwood and picked up Eliana and brought her back to Dillon with me.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you also won’t be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 HCSB
As Paul concludes his letter to the Church in Galatia, he reminds them of their responsibility to one another. Each person is responsible for their conduct and life before the Lord. Paul says, “..each person will have to carry his own load.“ (Galatians 6:5 HCSB) How they live, is not to be a source of pride. The “comparison game” may have some merit with people, but not with God. God is out standard and not others.
However, when someone is “caught in a wrongdoing” there is an obligation on those who “are spiritual” to restore that individual. That calls for an attitude of gentleness and humility. There is also a caution, for even the “spiritual” are vulnerable to temptation.
Paul’s caution is: “watch out for yourself so you also won’t be tempted.” In practical application that can take different forms. It might be a warning against falling prey to the same temptation. It is important for some who is restoring another not to become “soiled” by the same or similar sin. Restoration involves lifting someone up, not being dragged down.
Another aspect of the caution relates to a false sense of security and even spiritual pride. It is easy to have an attitude of, “that could never happen to me!” Paul says, “if anyone considers himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.“ (Galatians 6:3 HCSB)
In “carrying each others burdens” we fulfill the command to “love one another, as you love yourself.” That is the “Law of Christ.” Moses in the Law commanded God’s people to love God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.” Jesus said right behind that command to love God, is to love others. There is no greater expression of love for others than coming to the aid of a fellow believer who is in need.
Paul concludes with a reminder that while the good we do is to be extended to all, that those of the family of faith should be of special concern and focus. “…we must work for the good of all, especially for those who belong to the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10 HCSB)
As we live out our faith, and work out “our own salvation” we need to “look out for each other.” It is an important aspect our being the “Church.” As we do that, we need to be on guard to our own vulnerabilities. As the old saying goes, “but for the grace of God, there go I.”