"The Burdens of Life"

    It is the fate of all men everywhere to have burdens (2Corinthians 5:1-4). Some of the deepest, heaviest burdens are not always seen. If we could readily identify the fierce battles that continually take place in the minds of some men and women, perhaps it would cause us to be less harsh in our judgments of others. While there is no excuse for sin (John 15:22), it helps to know where a person is "coming from."

    The Bible teaches us to do three things with our burdens: (1) "Every man shall bear his own burden" (Galatians 6:5).  Some burdens (responsibilities), are non-transferable. God has given to each man his own work (Phil. 2:12). No one can believe for you; no one can repent of your sins for you; no one else can confess Christ and be baptized for you. These things are your own responsibilities. Others can encourage, but they can't do them for you. 

    (2)  "Bear ye one another's burdens"  (Galatians 6:2).  Some burdens are to be shared with spiritual brethren (Gal. 6:1).  We are to help those who have the burden of sorrow (Romans 12:15);  We can share some of the burdens of the church leadership (Hebrews 13:17). Some play the espionage game constantly spying on the Elders or the preacher waiting for them to "goof up."  Rather that highlighting their weaknesses, why not work with their strong points. How often do we pray for the church leadership? Looking at the resumes of the "12" they is not very impressive, yet Jesus had confidence in them and worked with their weaknesses till they were overcome. Some may be enduring the burden of doubt or despair. A word of encouragement, a phone call, a card, or a visit to pray with them can help ease that burden.

    (3)  "Cast thy burden upon the Lord" (1Peter 5:7). Some burdens are beyond the reach of human effort and aid.  Such burdens can only be placed on Christ's shoulders.

    We should be willing to assume those burdens of responsibility that are ours; those burdens of duty that cannot be excused, blamed, or transferred to others. At the same time, we should make an attempt to be conscious of the burdens of others that we can help with.

    Jesus had a burden to bear that no one else could bear. It troubled His soul (John 12:27);  it caused His soul to be "exceedingly sorrowful" (Matt. 26:38);  so He laid face down on the ground in prayer and handed the burden over to God (Matt. 26:39). He was strengthened by an angel (Luke 22:43), and was able to bear the burden all the way to Calvary; "Father, into Thy hands I commit My spirit" (Luke 23:46).

    We have a responsibility to self, to others, and in all things: to God.

                                    - - Toby Miller