Aug 23, 2018
Carry each other's
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. Gal 6:2
Loving people means
supporting their development, not fixing all their problems... Help them as
they fix their own problems.
The term is “helicopter parents”. It is a critical term for a parent who is
always hovering over their child – picking up their messes, fighting their
battles, getting involved in their problems at school or on their team, and
over-protecting them in every decision.
Some parents don’t like the term, but consider the behavior an endearing
quality, almost proud of their watch care over the children. The problem isn’t their parental
responsibility, it is the child’s growth.
Like a tree that never has to dig deep for water, children who have been
hovered over never learn how to deal with the storms and struggles of
life. They grow up immature and selfish,
expecting their boss, spouse or government to fix all their problems. Helicopter parents rob kids of maturity and
resolve.
Paul wrote to the Galatians about a different parent – a
spiritual one. He reminded the church
that they are not supposed to be helicopter parents for every problem that
comes up in the lives of people. Don’t
think you have to swoop in and take over their families, their marriages, or
their careers. People don’t grow strong
spiritually by pastors spoon-feeding them.
They grow by learning HOW to feed themselves through God’s Word, and by
growing their OWN relationship with Jesus.
Sometimes pastors and church leaders start believing it is their job to
hover over the flock and fix all their problems. But just like Paul, we can be supporters of
the church families without having to be physically present.
We are to carry each other’s burdens, but a verse later,
Paul says we are each to carry our own.
How can this be? By praying and supporting
each other emotionally. We don’t have to
fix each other’s problems, but we can be encouragers and supporters to give
them the strength to fix it themselves.
Can we help? SURE! Serving each other is our expression of love –
and Jesus said people would know we were believers by serving each other. But don’t take over. Be a servant, not a boss. J
The best parents learn how to coach their kids THROUGH their
problems instead of always trying to fix it for them. These amazing parents learn the power of
listening, asking questions, praying for their kids, and encouraging their
progress. They don’t see the
circumstances as the primary concern, they see learning as primary. We could also learn to do the same with our
friends and family as they go through struggles. Get involved where it helps them to
grow. Support them in a burden when it
supports their own efforts. Don’t give
them a hand out, give them a hand up.
And by the same token, appreciate when others love US enough
to do the same – because in doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ – truly loving
each other!
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