Lights, Camera, Action!
This devotional was written by Kelly McFadden
“Share in each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2
My son knows how to “turn it on.” He is only nine months old, but if you hold a camera in front of him and say, “smile,” he could be in the middle of a crying fit and he will flash one of the biggest, brightest smiles you have ever seen. It makes for great pictures, but I can’t help but think how often I do this myself. Instead of letting those close to me know how I feel and what is happening in my life, I simply put on the smile everyone wants to see. I don’t think that is always what God wants from us.
Now I am not saying that everyone should walk around like “Debbie Downer” when they are in a crummy mood. However, no Christian should ever have to walk through life’s struggles alone. As Christians, we are called to share in each other’s burdens. This is a way we obey Christ. This does not necessarily put the responsibility on everyone else when it comes to caring for our needs. We must be willing to share our burdens with those who are close to us.
Christians work best as the body of Christ when we are willing to be open, honest and journey through life together. That means seeking accountability in areas where we sin and fall short. It means praying for each other. It means rejoicing with each other and mourning with each other. But if we never share how we are feeling, we are taking that blessing away from our brothers and sisters in Christ. If we always hide behind a smile and never open up to those who are close to us, we have fooled ourselves.
Perhaps you have never helped to carry another’s burdens because it feels like too much. God doesn’t ask you to do it alone. The next step is to cast all your cares and worries onto the Lord. A part of helping carry those burdens means lifting them up to the Lord in prayer and trusting in His sovereignty to care for each and every one of us.
Going Deeper:
- How are things going with you right now? Is there an area of your life where you need to reach out to another believer and allow him or her to help you carry your burden?
- Do you know someone who needs help carrying his or her burden? How can you reach out today?
Further Reading:
Galatians 1:10; 1 Peter 5:7; Romans 12:15-21
Kelly McFadden works with HomeWord’s radio broadcast and content teams. She and her husband Michael are the new parents of Campbell McFadden.
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