Generally, a burden is viewed as something negative that weighs us down and we long to cast off our burdens and to be free. However, as Pastor Andy Gray shared in his message on Burdens, there is a kind of burden that we are called to carry along with others. It is a burden that is born out of compassion and is evoked when we see people who are hurting as a result of a broken world.
Life Giving
A burden can compel us to sacrifice and take action for the good of others. When the burden is given to us by God as a disciple of Christ, then it is not overbearing. Christ said to take on his yoke because his burden is light. In this case, the burden makes us stronger and is life-giving.
Error of No Burdens
Two errors that we can make in carrying a “burden” are to either avoid any kind of burden all together, or to take on burdens in our own strength and beyond our sustainable capacity. On the one hand there are many who make it a point not to be burdened by anything or anyone. They seek the path that is the most convenient and do not want to get involved in the problems and needs of others. They shy away from commitments and wait for others to respond. They live for themselves and don’t want to be burdened. Yet, such an unburdened life is a life of loneliness and isolation. It is an empty life and self-absorbed.
Error of All Burdens
On the other hand, it is also possible for people to take on the problems of the world as a way to find meaning and importance in life. This leaves one vulnerable to falling into co-dependent relationships, taking on problems that belong to others, and developing a messionic complex that has no boundaries or limits. It is not uncommon for people who enter into “full-time ministry” as pastors, missionaries, or working with humanitarian agencies to get crushed under the weight of ministry when they fall under unrealistic expectations and demands. In such cases the person will get “burned out,” discouraged, and exhausted.
In Christ–We Can
Where then is the middle ground? How can one embrace a burden without getting crushed underneath it? The answer to this might not be so much in the size of the burden we bear, but more a matter of who is helping us to carry it. Christ called us to learn from him and to take on the burden of his yoke. He has taken on the weight of the whole world and his power and might is such that nothing can crush his spirit.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30
Final Outcome: Christ Wins
He teaches us when to act and when to let go. He calls others to join together with him so that no burden is too heavy. The final outcome is not dependent on us, but he invites us to join with him in the battle. Like a person breaking up ice in March to hasten the winter into spring, so too are our efforts in the cause of Christ. The outcome is assured, and Christ will win the battle.
Act As Christ Leads
Galatians 6 tells us that each person should carry their own load or personal responsibilities. But we are also to carry each other’s burdens, those causes and needs that are beyond anyone person. In this age when the needs of the world are so great, may we not give up and seek a life of comfort and ease. But may we wisely respond to the burden that Christ lays on our heart by joining with others of a like calling, strengthened in prayer, to act and to serve as Christ leads us.
