The Burdens Of Life

Robert Meredith

The Holy Spirit had the Apostle Paul write, “For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life” (2 Corinthians. 5:4).  In this particular passage Paul set forth that in this life is the fate of all individuals to have difficulties or burdens.  Often times the deepest and heaviest burdens of this life are not seen by others.  God, however, is aware of all the struggles we face and has given instructions in His word on what to do with the burdens we face.

  There are some burdens of this life that can be shared and fellow Christians should help the distressed to bear their difficulties.  The Apostle Paul wrote to the Christians of Galatia, “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such a one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest  thou also be tempted.  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:1-2).  There are some burdens in life that can be shared; one does not have to carry the load himself.  Paul also wrote, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).  Thus Paul tells us we should be looking out for each other.  So many times either

the one with the burden keeps it to himself and no one knows of his need, or we just watch him struggle under the weight of his load.  The context of Galatians 6:1-2 is dealing with people who have fallen back into sin and the world.  The word “burden” in that passage means, “load”.  Their load had become too heavy for them and they were struggling under its burden.  Christians should strive to help those who are facing such cares.  Some burdens can be shared.

  The Apostle Paul also wrote right after this passage, “But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.  For every man shall bear his own burden” (Galatians 6:4-5).  The word “burden” in this passage is different from the word above and it means, “pack”.  There are certain things that only I can do for myself.  No one can believe for another, repent for another, confess the name of Christ for another or be scripturally baptized for another.  All these are things that only the individual can do for himself.  It is the “pack” that they must carry alone.  Furthermore, no one can live the Christian life for another.  Each person must practice “pure religion” (James 1:27) on his own; no one can have someone else to do his works of righteousness for him.  It is a burden he must bear.  This is why Paul penned, “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 Corinthians 13:5).

  Too, the Holy Spirit had written, “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain thee” (Psalm 55:22).  The Apostle Peter wrote, “Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).  There are some burdens that simply need to be taken to the throne of God in prayer and left there (Hebrews 4:14-16).  God has promised us that if we “seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), then He will take care of us.

  This life certainly has its share of difficulties (Job 14:1), but God has told us what we are to do with our burdens.  Some burdens are to be shared, others must be carried alone, and still others need to be taken to God and left there.

  Teri and I thank each of you for helping us during this difficult time and continue to covet your prayers for our family.