Freedom — To Bear Each Other’s Burdens – WEDNESDAY
TODAY’S VERSE
Galatians 6:3-5
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. For each will have to bear his own load. (ESV)
As adults, we have a lot of things we are responsible for, but we all have things we would rather avoid. Maybe it’s the dentist. Why do they think anyone’s blood pressure is going to be normal at the dentist’s office, anyway, and look at this smile! Maybe it’s taxes. Doesn’t the post office stay open until midnight on April 15? Maybe it’s budgeting. If you don’t make a budget, how can you be over budget?!
Eventually, all these things will catch up with us because they all have a built-in system for accountability. There will be plenty to actually worry about at the dentist when you haven’t been in years, or when the IRS figures out what you’ve been up to, or when the money runs out. Most adults learn how to manage the things they would rather avoid because that’s better than the consequences. But what does that look like in our walk with Jesus?
Sometimes, it’s easy to hide behind things like going to church every week and saying lots of churchy things. It’s easy to hide behind a bumper sticker about Jesus or listening to worship music when friends are in the car. But as Christians, we have to be careful to make sure that we avoid thinking these things will save us. Because Jesus + nothing = everything.
Have you actually let someone in to see the real you and your struggles? God never intended for us to navigate our lives on our own, and He has provided others to learn from and to walk alongside us. It certainly takes humility to allow someone to hold you accountable, but it is a necessary part of growing to look more like Jesus.
APPLICATION
Where have you been running from accountability in your life? Don’t be afraid to admit your struggles and ask for help. We all have struggles and need help! Open up to a trusted friend who is walking with Jesus this week and ask them to help hold you accountable in one area you know the Lord is asking you to grow in.
PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have given us Your church and that we do not have to go through life alone. Help us lean into hard things and allow Your Holy Spirit to change us from the inside out.