Going "Dutch"

In Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia, he gives us several contradictory thoughts. In chapter 6, verse 2, he tells us that we should “bear one another’s burdens.” We do not live long as Christians before we hear about that responsibility. I am responsible for those around me. “Bearing burdens” is a trade-mark of being Christian.

And yet, just a short while later, in verse 5, the apostle says: “Each man will have to bear his own load.” It would be a wonderful world, if someone else would always take care of us. How nice to have someone pay our bills, be responsible for our sins, take over our major burdens.

But there is reality in realizing that much of life is “going Dutch.” We pay our own way. Life with its responsibilities is up to us. The world does not treat us like kings and queens, and we are sobered up quickly with the understanding that living and dying, paying taxes, and hanging on to a job is something that almost no one else is going to do for us. We must do it for ourselves.

Life is a solo. I have to “sing for my own supper.” I walk through the valley of the shadow, in terrible loneliness at times. I pay an awfully high price for just being human. And for folks who live and die only unto themselves, life can be terribly fearful, and awfully desolate. Most of the time, we all have to “go Dutch.” We pay our own way.

But thanks be unto God, we are also part of a great redeeming fellowship. Even when we sin, the Scriptures affirm that “if someone is caught in a trespass, we who are spiritual (Paul says) are to restore that person in a spirit of gentleness.” (Gal. 6:1) “We are to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 1:3)

There is a costly requirement in accepting the development and design and responsibility for your own individual life...and great happiness in doing so as well. But sometimes when I am most unable to handle things on my own, there is a Savior who says tome, “It’s O.K. my friend. I”ve already paid the bill.”