Galatians 5:20, 6:1-10
Introduction
I have witnessed people who pose to be spiritual but only show signs of special tongues speaking during prayer sessions, or hold a high position in the church where others carry their Bibles. Sometimes, those who condemn sinners and disgrace them in church (ntus3n/ex-communication), etc.
Paul's letter to the Galatians puts this spirituality in the correct perspective. It is basically the fruit we bear that brings the distinction between the spiritual and carnal. The carnal acts are "sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these." Galatians 5:19-21 (ESV) Those who engage or fall into these acts "will not inherit the kingdom of God".
Who is Spiritual?
"You who are spiritual should restore him (falling Christian) in a spirit of gentleness" (6:1).
Being spiritual is being under the full control of the Holy Spirit and keeping in step with the Spirit and the evidence is the fruit at harvest (Gal. 6:22-23). Spirituality is nurtured through the diligent study of the Word, fellowshipping with other brethren, sharing resources, partaking in the Lord's table, full support for God's works in the church, etc. These are not for special people but what we all have been called to cultivate.
Spiritual people basically are those who stand firmly with the Spirit - "Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted." (Gal 6:1) and carry others along.
To carry others along is to;
1. Restore Fallen Soldiers:
The apostle begins chapter 6 of Galatians with "Brothers". This reminds us that we are a family. We are brothers and sisters in Christ since we have one Father. In Christ there are no blacks or whites, African or European, rich or poor - therefore you are my brother, and you are my sister.
Being "caught in any transgression" is about being taken unawares, trapped, or dragged into sin.
In the military, a great soldier never leaves wounded partners, they carry them along. Firemen have a slogan, "Never leave your partner in the fire". It is only in the church that we shoot wounded soldiers in war.
As Christians, a fallen soldier must be restored with gentleness (which is fruit of the Spirit). It is not the time of condemnation, ex-communication, or segregation but God calls for restoration - helping the person out of whatever has trapped him/her.
Today, the church is quick to condemn the falling brother/sister but to be able to restore fallen brethren, we must be practically involved in their lives in order to bear their burden.
2. Bear with One Another:
This is the responsibility to carry others' burden - Christian empathy. This is where we sacrifice for fellow brethren and help carry their heavy burden with them. These are emotional, spiritual, psychological, or physical difficulties that we face day in and day out. We may get hurt in the process but it is a worthy rescue mission.
Beloved, this is different from what Paul mentions in Gal. 5:5, "Each will have to bear his own load." (Gal 6:5). This is to say "Each of us will give an account of himself to God." (Romans 14:12). In order to have every Christian brother/sister to give good accounts of stewardship, we need to bear with them and help them to carry their cross to be fit for the Kingdom of God (John 13:34, 15:12).
3. Consider Others of Importance.
The Bible cautions us not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (Rom. 12:3). And so the apostle says, "For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself." (Gal. 6:3) The more we deem others of importance, we humbly accord them the needed respect and support. We can not carry others when they are 'rugs' before us. If we would have a reason to boast, it must be how many people we have carried along. The humble service to our neighbours, the care and support that we demonstrate. God wants us to turn within ourselves and carry each other along.
I can boldly say that we are losing our call today not for the failure of evangelism but the failure to carry wounded Christians - we push such brethren to the dogs and go out there to evangelize those who are doing worse than the ones we have just left to rot. My dear, carry others along!
Carry your Leaders also Along
Those who teach, lead, or preach to us must be shown all good things. When we are good to them it is like sowing good seeds in good soil. This is why Paul says, "Do not be deceived" after asking us to offer all good things to the one who teaches us and says, "God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Gal. 6:7). Our motivation to Christian leaders are seeds that God allows us to reap in many folds. When we motivate, we carry our leaders along. Carrying others along is not just about the weak but also the strong in the faith. Sometimes, the leader needs your encouragement, phone calls, prayers, visits, and others to all so move along.
Our Christian Bond
Our Christian family bond is being broken gradually. It is difficult for other Christians to offer opportunities of; employment, network, partnership, invites, etc. to fellow brethren. We have heard and seen situations where others have been cheated, stolen, lost contracts, or customers because they sought to help a fellow Christian. Our Christian bond has been marred by these. But the Bible tells us, "let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up." (Gal. 6:9). Precious one, Never exchange your good heart towards fellow Christians with the bad experience the devil brought your way, for, in God's due season, He'll give you your heart desires, Amen!
Conclusion
Beloved in Christ Jesus, "So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith." (Gal. 6:10) Our good deeds should first be channeled to the people in the Christian faith. Christ, the head of the church expects us to carry our fellow Christians along with us on this journey. Therefore, carry others along!
AMEN!
Shalom aleichem...
