September 3, 2025

OUR REPONSIBILITIES

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

“If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done, and you won’t need to compare yourself to anyone else. For we are each responsible for our own conduct.”

Galatians 6:3-5 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

Paul tells the Galatians to “carry each other’s burdens.” He reminds us of three important truths found in this.

1. There is no place for pride in the family of God

Paul says, “If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important.”

Pride can slip into our hearts so quickly—especially when God has blessed us with success. Sadly, I’ve met believers who felt “above” serving others. Yet some of the most Christlike people I’ve met were those with the greatest influence.

I’ve had the privilege of knowing leaders with international recognition, but in person, they were kind, approachable, and generous. They weren’t consumed with showing off their achievements; they lived to glorify God.

That’s the mark of greatness in the Kingdom—humility.

2. Our goal is faithfulness, not recognition

Paul continues: “Pay careful attention to your own work, for then you will get the satisfaction of a job well done.”

Early in my ministry, I preached for a pastor in rural Missouri. He wasn’t on any “fastest growing church” list. He didn’t pastor a megachurch. But he was faithful—over 40 years in one place, raising up pastors and missionaries, shepherding a community with love and consistency.

Larger churches tried to call him, but he turned them down because he knew his assignment was right where God had placed him. That kind of faithfulness inspires me.

I believe in heaven he will be celebrated far more than some who were famous on earth. Heaven values obedience, not popularity.

Your satisfaction isn’t in comparison—it’s in knowing you were faithful to what God gave you.

3. Everyone has responsibility in the Kingdom

At first glance, verses 2 and 5 may sound like a contradiction:

• “Carry each other’s burdens” (v.2)

• “Each one should carry their own load” (v.5, NIV)

The Greek clears it up:

• Verse 2 (“bare”) refers to a heavy, crushing burden—something no one can carry alone.

• Verse 5 (“phortion”) means a soldier’s pack—the normal load each of us is expected to carry.

The lesson? We are called to help others in their crushing burdens, but we cannot expect others to carry our daily responsibilities. Jesus Himself promised, “My yoke is easy, and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:30).

A good example would be if my car breaks down a friend can help get my kids to school. But that friend can’t assume the responsibility to parent my kids. It is my responsibility to raise my children. That’s my pack to carry.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, keep me humble. Guard my heart from pride. Help me to be faithful to the assignment You’ve given me. Teach me not to compare my work to others, but to find joy in serving You with all my heart. Amen.

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