Did you ever try to build something and no
matter how closely you measure or how much you shim or readjust, it just will
not become level? Or, have you ever tried to do something with a liquid measure
and you keep measuring out too much or too little and it seems impossible to
level out the liquid? Many or most of us can identify with these dilemmas. In
today’s world and in this economic climate, it may seem that nothing you do can
put you on the level. It is also a common problem in this economic climate that
we focus so much on our own problems that we forget others who are in similar
or worse situations.
In the first five verses of Galatians 6,
Paul talks about how Christians should interact with one another and in verse
2, gives us a wonderful command and its outcome: “Bear one another’s burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ.” It
is in understanding the real meaning of these words that we can find encouragement
in these days of uncertainty. First, Paul asks us as Christians and Churches,
to ‘bear one another’s burdens.’ This is not ‘rocket science!’ He simply asks
us to get involved with other people who are struggling and help them along. If
you see someone who is carrying more than they can adequately carry, you stop
and take part of the load and help them with it. Very simple! It is the second
part of this verse that adds the real definition to the ‘burden bearing.’ Paul
says when we do this, we “fulfill the law of Christ.”
This word used and translated ‘fulfill’ is
the Greek word, ‘anaplerosete’ and is
a compound word from ‘ana,’ which
means ‘up or again,’ and ‘pleroo,’
which means to ‘level up or cram.’ So, we fulfill the law of Christ when we
‘lovingly’ involve ourselves in the lives of others to help them ‘become level
again’ or ‘level for the first time.’ This action implies an ‘active,’ not
‘passive’ response. It means getting to know people, learning what hinders them
and actively getting involved to level them up. It may involve pouring from
your cup (you can use this metaphor for anything your life has in it) to level
up the cup of another. It may mean physically doing something to ‘cram’ up the
person’s home, vehicle, finances, or other to ‘level’ them out. You see, when
something is level, it is more secure. The bottom line is when we do these
things we are ‘being Jesus’ to someone else.
As you struggle through these difficult
days, remember that you can still find joy and make a difference in another’s
life and ‘fulfill the law of Christ.’ I end these words with another verse in
Galatians, chapter 5 verse 14: ““For the
whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, “You shall love your
neighbor as yourself.””
Let's be about 'Spotting the Truth' of this verse, and actively involve ourselves in helping others level out their lives.
Jeff Woolum, Pastor
First Baptist Church
Perrysburg, OH
