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Isaiah 37:1-38:22; Galatians 6:1-18; Psalm 65:1-13; Proverbs 23:24
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault you which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:1-2)
We can measure ourselves according to the law of Christ. Paul wrote this to the Galatian church who were hurting people with their legalistic manner. As we measure ourselves to Christ and not anything in this world, especially others, then we will have a more accurate reading and we will truly recognize what spirit we are led by.
Our first thought, if we see or hear that someone is overtaken by a mistake, temptation, burden, pressure, is hurting, or falling short, should be to behave spiritually by restoring the affected person. The first test of spirituality is to see how you will treat someone who has been overtaken.
Second, Paul says that we should consider ourselves lest we be tempted. Have you realized that none of us are anything in ourselves and we can all be tempted or overtaken if we’re not careful? We can never feel that we are better than others and are not just as susceptible to weakness, temptation or hardship.
Third, we learned that the law of Christ never destroys but restores. The same Spirit in Christ that laid His life down to restore mankind back to the Father is the same Spirit in me that compels and motivates me to restore God’s creation back to Him. Fourth, we learned to come alongside people and bear their burdens with them. We are to help them by taking weight off of them so they can bear up under the load. This is God’s purpose and plan for true men and women of God. We must never hurt or destroy God’s precious people, His prize creation. The spirit of darkness is called the destroyer, the accuser of the brethren. He points his finger, he judges to kill, steal and destroy while Christ gives life and life more abundantly. (John 10:10)
Later Paul teaches us to not be deceived, that God is not mocked, whatever we sow that shall we also reap. God is saying, “Don’t kid yourself. However you treat someone, whatever you say, with what judgment you make creates what you will receive in your own life.” Here is the revelation, when I love, I get love back. When I serve people, they serve me. Whatever I do to others, I will have done in my life. I create my own world by the way I live and operate. What I sow is also what I reap. If I destroy, I will be destroyed. The law of Christ is the only Spirit that gives life. I must choose life.
PRAYER:
Lord, I ask You to help me to have Your heart, to see like You see, to feel like You feel, to love like You love. God I choose the law of Christ, to always be spiritual and to bear my brother’s burdens. Now fill me with Your Holy Spirit and use me for Your glory. This I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
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