Help others with humility and meekness
Mind Load 1
(#201 from Suffer Well Devotional Series©)
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“Brothers, if a man is indeed overtaken in some sin, you who are spiritual restore him in a spirit of humility [gentleness], considering yourself [your own shortcomings] lest you also be tempted. Bear one another’s trials and burdens and so fulfill the Laws of [Yahweh] through the Messiah. For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each person examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. Each man shall bear his own load.” (Galatians 6:1-5)
Of course, the fruit of obedience to your individual calling has personal, and at times even private implications. Yet, many still fail to understand how to measure the fruit. This is because bearing fruit was never contingent upon, or measured by how others might react to your obedience. This is a crucial distinction to comprehend!
Actually, bearing fruit is often contrary to the opinions of others. He who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:17) In essence, it rarely matters what others think or how they respond. Therefore, if you assess your fruit by the reaction of others to your obedience, you have neglected this scriptural blueprint. Consider Yahshua for instance; His disciples denied His call to obey His “personal” crucifixion (death of self), and so would have you. Yet, what magnificent fruit His obedience yielded, despite the opposition! Is it therefore too difficult for you to comprehend that no one is going to support you in yours (obedience unto death of self)?
As you fulfill your obligations to the Almighty Father, you would do well to seek your rewards within (mental poise, balance, peace, and joy), and not from outside (physical and verbal affirmation from other people or things). Why again is this so crucial? Because, if you are indeed a “messenger” of Yahweh, then like the Messiah, a great portion of your work of obedience will be to correct the errors of those you call brothers and sisters. In this appointed work, great humility and meekness is necessary.
Now, here is a notice and a warning! The notice is found on the surface in Galatians 6; “Let each person examine his own work, and then he will have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another.” But, to find the warning, we must go deeper. If your exhortations and corrections towards others sound like this, “How dare you!” rather than, “I love you; and no matter what, I would never forsake you,” then you are not fully prepared for the work of a messenger. There is still internal work to be done, before you can offer correction with the power of a lion and with the meekness of a lamb.
The messenger of Yahweh is one who has been sifted, purged, plucked, pruned, and quite frankly, stomped on by Yahweh Himself, just as He promised to do, and then did, to His only Begotten Son. There is no “self” righteousness among these, the messengers. Their work is a reverent one and their reward is very personal. It is private; it is singular; and it is quite often unseen by others.
Remember the pattern of the messenger loved one. It cannot be forced, only earned.