We Are Not on Our Own
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor.” Galatians 6:2-4 ESV
Understanding Paul’s main focus on freedom from the “law” in writing to the Galatians gives greater perspective to the various parts. As Paul admonishes about the importance of bearing one another’s burdens and fulfilling the law of Christ; it is set in contrast to the impossibility of fulfilling the Old Covenant with all of its laws and the individual responsibility to offer the proper sacrifices in the proper way at the proper time.
The “law of Christ” is “to love the Lord your God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength and to love your neighbor as yourself.” That is at its core what the Old Covenant was about. However it involved over 600 specific laws that told you how to please God, be in right relationship with Him and how to be right with people. The result despair or a “better-than-thou” attitude, especially among the religious elite, as we saw in Jesus day.
Paul’s teaching is that relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ puts the “law of God on our hearts.” We obey, because of our love for God, we don’t obey the “law” so God will love us.
Then we see a call to corporate concern. An awareness that when one “falls” it is not time to condemn, it is time to pick up and restore. “…if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV) The “law” called for people to be condemned. The “law of Christ” calls for them to be restored.
This restoration is the duty of those who recognize their own vulnerability. “…Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” (Galatians 6:1 ESV) Some have pointed out that this is caution concerning being tempted by the same sin. All of us have out points of vulnerability. But we should be on guard in having an attitude of, “I would never commit that sin.”
So Paul says we can fulfill the law of Christ was we live with a “one another” attitude in life. So often, people will view their spiritual life as “private” – as “no one’s business.” The Bible teaches just the opposite. We are to “spur one another on to good works.” We are to care for one another, love one another, rejoice with one anther, serve one another, to encourage one another.
We are called to a community of faith. Just as God created through Abraham a “community” of God’s people related to a common ancestor; we are part of a community of faith, because we are all “born again” by a common faith, by the same Savior. We are part of the “blood line” of Jesus.
Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for the family to which you have called us and to which we belong. We are not on our own. We are “in this” together. Enable us to live freely with Your higher calling, Your higher law. Help us to serve you from our hearts and to serve others out of love and obedience to You.