Counter Culture: Carry One Another’s Burdens — Tuesday
Galatians 6:1
Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. (NLT)
I was healed of blindness once. Or at least I thought so. My vision registers a measly 20/220. Without corrective lenses, I have about six inches of clear vision. But one memorable morning, I awoke with 20/20 perfection. I was instantly convinced God had healed me—who else could do such a thing? I was ecstatic! For about 30 seconds. But then my eyes started feeling kinda funny... and I realized I’d fallen asleep with my contact lenses in and they’d dried out while I slept, welding themselves to my eyes.
While I’d like to have perfect eyesight, I am grateful for the fact that we have access to lenses that help us see clearly. But it’s not just with my eyes that I struggle to see clearly at times. Sometimes I need others to help me see what I can’t see on my own… especially in my everyday life: my actions, reactions, even my thought life when shared with trusted friends. They provide a filter, a lens if you will.
When it comes to sin, we can have really fuzzy vision at times. We can rationalize, attempt to justify, play comparisons, even completely ignore the problematic corners of our inner world. But what happens there will eventually find its way into the light. That’s why it’s such a blessing to have friends and leaders we trust who can speak into our lives, help us see clearly, and help us live in ways that bring wholeness and joy instead of sorrow and regret.
It’s counter-cultural to be a person who can help provide this kind of clarity. But it might even be a more extreme departure from our culture to also be people who actively seek this kind of clarity. We help, and we ask for help. Because our Good Father asks us to help carry one another’s burdens. Not just to make it through one day at a time, but so we can grow to thrive, helping one another live in ways that unleash the love and grace of God for others.
Tuesday’s Reflection
How can you begin cultivating relationships where you can both give and take when it comes to transparency and godliness? Maybe you’re just starting this journey and need to start asking God to provide this person. Or maybe that person is already present to you, and you can have a conversation about how you can encourage and support one another. Pray for God to guide this growth in your life.
