Galatians 6:1-3
Live creatively, friends. If someone falls into sin, forgivingly restore him, saving your critical comments for yourself. You might be needing forgiveness before the day's out. Stoop down and reach out to those who are oppressed. Share their burdens, and so complete Christ's law. If you think you are too good for that, you are badly deceived.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
Problems and burdens are like holes in your underwear… at some point, everybody’s got ‘em! You can put on your clothes and assume that nobody will be any the wiser about the tiny hole – or the giant rip – underneath. And it’s the same with our problems… we can smooth them over and act as if we have none. But the fact remains… every single person has some sort of challenge or burden at one time or another.
Quite often, we make the colossal mistake of assuming that the other guy has no troubles… because after all, he makes good money, drives a nice car, lives in a big fancy house, and everything seems to go his way. We may not realize that his relationships are falling apart, he’s in debt up to his eyeballs, and the doctor just told him his “numbers” are through the roof. Because his exterior is neat, clean and starched, we may not see what lies underneath.
As Christians, we often make the mistake of looking past those in our immediate circle. We seek the lost… those who have no relationship with Jesus Christ… those who need a church home or clearly wear their problems like a shabby, threadbare coat. We see the obvious while completely missing “the elephant in the room.” One example of this is pastors and those in ministry. People tend to overlook these folks and their needs, assuming that they must have it all together – given their position and all. Often, nothing could be farther from the truth.
Pastors have health issues, family woes, money troubles, losses and grief and more… just like the rest of us. We once attended a church where the pastor stood up one Sunday and announced he was taking a break from the pulpit to deal with his own severe depression. Few, if any, in the congregation had a clue that he was suffering in this manner… and it was humbling to think we had not realized his serious burden. But often we don’t remember to ask people how they are doing – or even to pray for them!
As Christians, we are called to share each others’ burdens. We are not to be so self-absorbed or busy trying to “add to the flock” that we overlook the immediate needs of our own brothers and sisters in Christ. It’s time we took a look around us. Who in your immediate circle is flying under the radar? Who needs someone to ask, “Are you alright? Is there anything I can do for you?” What friends and family members need a word of encouragement… assurance that you care about them and have not forgotten how precious they are – to you and to God?
Never assume that the other guy has it all together based on outward appearance. Just as you should never criticize those whose burdens seem huge, distasteful – or even senseless – you should not criticize those who appear to have no problems. I assure you, their troubles may not be as big as some in the grand scheme of things… but on any given day, they can seem quite huge and frustrating. Just as we are not to judge those who appear to have big troubles or sins, we must not judge those who appear to be trouble free.
Have you looked around your backyard today? Have you asked yourself, “What is really happening with So-and-So… and have I been paying attention to his/her needs?” We’re all in this together… Jesus called us to love one another. Are you doing your part?
©2011 Debbie Robus
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