“Some seemingly contradictory advice”
By Rev. Michael Stonhouse
Meditation – Monday, November 21, 2022
Galatians 6:1-10 (Forward, p. 23) CEV p. 1220
At first glance, the apostle Paul seems to be saying two things, two seemingly contradictory things, in one breath. On the one hand, he tells his readers that ‘we each must carry our own load” (verse 5), and then, on the other hand, he says, “We should help people whenever we can, especially if they are followers of the Lord” (verse 10).
Actually, what he is saying is nothing but sanctified good sense. It is only if we are in a ‘good position’ ourselves that we are then able to help others. It is like the emergency instructions given at the start of each flight in an airplane. We are told that if the emergency oxygen masks drop down, we should put on our own mask first—before trying to help a dependent put on theirs.
And so, Paul advises his readers to work hard and do their own work well, and not presume that they are somehow better than others and so be entitled to sponge off them. And, he says, while we can justly be proud of whatever work we do or accomplishments we achieve, we should never do this with an eye for praise or for comparison with others. We should each do our own work and simply leave it at that.
However, there are indeed some instances where we should extend a helping hand to assist others. If there is someone trapped in sin, we should try to gently lead the person back to the right path, making sure, in the process that we are not tempted or lead astray ourselves. And, if we find that we are well off, we should share that with others and help those around us who are in need, especially if they are fellow believers. We should never get tired of helping others and should never give up. And, interestingly, he advises them to especially share their good things with those who labour among them to teach them God’s word, their pastors and teachers, who often don’t have ‘other employment’ and so rely upon the generosity of their parishioners to get by.
And so, there is a kind of double-edged sword here: we are to be responsible for ourselves and our own well-being, but, at the same time on the lookout for those who, seemingly through no fault of their own, need a helping hand. In fact, it is only when we are responsible in and of ourselves that we are in a position to be able to do so. So, we do indeed demonstrate that we ‘love our neighbours as we love ourselves”, and it is by and only through the grace of God that we are able to do that. Amen.
Forward notes: “So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest-time, if we do not give up. So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us work for the good of all, and especially for those of the family of faith” (verses 9-10).
“I’m not terribly career conscious. It’s perhaps a personal shortcoming that has frustrated some of my close friends. I have a propensity to live from opportunity to opportunity, accepting the ones I’m excited about and passing on the ones I’m not. I’ve taught at very small private schools, and I currently teach at a large one. I do what I love because I love it.
“This particular way of life may work for some, but not others. As for me, this way of life helps me contemplate the meaning of success. For Christians, success is not about wealth, security, a beautiful home, or other status symbols. My friend once told me of a homily given by his priest. He pointed to the crucifix behind him and said, ‘that is a picture of success.’ Our success cannot be measured by our ‘net worth.’ It’s measured by our connection to Christ.”
Moving Forward: “How do you measure success?”