Carrying Burdens
The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy makes for some of my favorite movies. In fact, if I am forced to list my top five movies, I will consolidate the trilogy into one movie since it is one continuous story. As the story unfolds, we see the increasing burden of Frodo as he carries the ring with internal tension between honor and pride. In the final movie, “Return of the King”, and toward the end of the saga; we see Frodo determined to destroy the ring but unable to continue. In that highly dramatic scene his loyal friend, Sam, comes to his side. With the honesty that he cannot carry the ring on Frodo’s behalf, he does step in to actually carry Frodo.
While not the author or screenwriter’s intended purpose, this does illustrate the beauty of Galatians 6:1-2. God has built us for relationships and designed us to walk in community. This affords the opportunity to come alongside faith family members who are burdened with a load that is beyond their capacity. These moments are moments for the body of Christ to assist, help, encourage, and carry the burden.
Paul is careful to warn against pride in these moments. Some of us tend to view ourselves with what could be called a “messiah complex”, meaning we need to be needed and must rescue everyone. We must walk with humility and love. Anybody is capable of any burden given the set of circumstances. Rather than thinking we are high and mighty, or thinking that we are invincible, we must be careful to guard our hearts so that we are not tempted and with a commitment to walk through the mess in love, for love, and with love.
Keep your eyes open this week for faith families who need your love. Perhaps your loyal love will guide them to rely on Christ for strength in a season of desperation.
