Putting Things on the Level

     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