Again this is a bit late today. I've been having some "challenges" with Comcast lately and I guess I'll have to take this cable modem down to get it changed out. Obviously, I've been putting off that dreaded trip...and the ensuing argument...until it's absolutely necessary. Evidently, it's necessary! Onward, as they say...
Galatians 6:1-3 (NIV)
Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. (Emphasis mine..DRB)
I'm going to copy in a parable (author is unknown) that is a perfect analogy as to just one of the reasons that we should help one another and "carry each other's burdens.".....
A king from long ago had twin sons. Back then the first born was the heir to the throne but there was some confusion about which one was actually born first. As they grew up, the king tried to figure out a fair way to designate one of them as crown prince. Everyone thought the boys were equal in intelligence, strength, and character. But the king thought he recognized a particular quality in just one of them.
One day the king called them to the throne room. He said, "My sons, the day will come when one of you must succeed me as king. The burdens of sovereignty are very heavy. To find out which of you is better able to bear them cheerfully, I am sending you together to a far corner of the kingdom. One of my advisers there will place equal burdens on your shoulders. My crown will one day go to the one who first returns bearing his burden like a king should."
In a spirit of friendly competition, the brothers set out together. Soon they came across an elderly woman struggling under a burden that seemed far too heavy for her frail body. One of the boys suggested that they stop to help her. The other protested: "We have a burden of our own to worry about. Let us be on our way."
The one boy hurried on while the other stayed behind to give aid to the old lady. As he continued on his journey, he continually found others who needed help. There was a blind man that took him miles out of his way and a lame man that slowed him way down.
Eventually, he did reach his father's advisor, where he received his own burden and started home with it safely on his shoulders. When he arrived at the palace, his brother met him at the gate, and greeted him with dismay. He said, "I don't understand. I told our father the burden was too heavy to carry. However did you do it?"
The future king replied thoughtfully, "I suppose when I helped others carry their burdens, I found the strength to carry my own."
Now, this may not be an exactly perfect analogy, but it certainly is a pretty good one, don't you think? It tells us that in helping each other with one another's burdens, we will be strengthened so that we will more easily be able to carry our own burdens when they are put upon us. Sometimes, God simply sends along something that we need to see and understand. This is certainly one of those "somethings." I do wish I knew who to attribute this parable. However, I'm very grateful that it came my way and that I was able to send it along.
Now, the question that is asked of ME is: HOW CAN I HELP YOU CARRY YOUR BURDEN?
Love, peace, and blessings,
David
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