Dear Friends,
As disciples of Christ, we are called to minister. In Galatians 6:1-5, Paul is giving us a few guidelines.
- We are asked to help someone who is caught in sin (v1). Sounds like counselling? But that responsibility is given to those who are spiritual. We are spiritual when we live and walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. The Holy Spirit gives us a clear conscience when there is no known sin in our lives. Such a person can counsel others to overcome sin. Regular time of reflection and introspection in the light of the scripture and guidance of the Holy Spirit is essential.
- When we help others, we must do so with grace as we ourselves are saved from such sins by the grace of God. Thinking that we are able to resist temptation in our own strength can make us conceited and proud. This will surely bring us down (v1).
- Jesus gave us a new commandment (law) in John 13:34, 35. When we carry each other’s burden, like in counselling, we express the love of Christ. In doing so, we fulfil the golden rule of Christ (v3). However, carrying each other’s burden is not a ‘burden’ in that sense because God, in Christ has given us grace to do so. Moreover, it is a privilege to share in the ministry of Christ!
- The more we minister, the more we will begin to think of ourselves as something great. That is another pitfall. As we do it by His enablement, we cannot take any credit. All glory belongs to Him. Only the joy of saying, “We are unworthy servants;
we have only done our duty (Luke 17:7-10)” is ours (Gal. 6:3). - As servants of God, we must not compare either our ministries (Mat. 25:15) or our rewards (Mat. 20:12). But humbly examine our own actions before the Lord (Gal. 6:4). He will reward us with joy (Mat. 25:21).
May God give us grace to follow these principles for a joyful ministry.
Yours in Christ,
Dr. Samson Gandhi
