Next Step - March 7th

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 5:22–6:2 NIV

Everybody has struggles. At one time or another, each of us has something that weighs on us. We all have burdens. I'm pretty convinced that God does not mean for us to carry these things alone. In fact, I'm certain about that. God tells us through His word that each of us must carry the burdens of the others around us. In so doing, the verse above says, we "fulfill the law of Christ, " both showing the love of God to others and experience the love of God fulfilled in and through us.

Early on in the story of creation, God says that people were not meant to be alone. That has not changed. Yet, in a world where individuality is so treasured, we find it hard to share our burdens with others; we don't want to bother them with our problems. We find it hard to ask people what burdens they are facing; we don't want to pry or make them feel uncomfortable. But God knows -- and if it comes right down to it so do you and I -- that this extreme individualism is not the way that we were meant to live. We were not meant to be alone.

As a community of Jesus followers, we at Creekside are all in this together. This is a journey that we are all on – to connect the realities of Jesus with realities of everyday life -- including, maybe even most importantly, our burdens. Admittedly, it is a hard thing to do, especially if you are like me and it does not come easy. But, it is a better way, and it is a better life, as we step into this together.

What is your burden, what is your weight? Does anybody here know it? If not, why not? Carrying each other's burdens is an integral part of living in the rhythm of the God, of realizing the love of Him, experienced outward and from other people. But, how do we live this out if others don’t know? How can I know what your burdens are if I don’t ask? How can I know what your burdens are if you don't tell me? The answer is simple, I can't -- and we can't.

Don't let "How are you doing," become just a greeting. Let it be a question. Ask, and then wait. Share and ask. Risk. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.