The Good Harvest

Last updated on: October 1, 2006 at 6:42 am by Fr. Joseph Huneycutt

The Good Harvest 2006-10-01T06:42:00-05:00 Fr. Joseph Huneycutt

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The following (on Galatians 6:2-10) is taken from the September 27th edition of DYNAMIS:

First, we are to “bear one another’s burdens” (vs. 2). How contrary this Apostolic rule is to the modern heresy of self-fulfillment, a way of life that minimizes a need for Church and Faith in the Lord, promoting instead independence, with minimal reference to anyone else. True apostolic Faith, of course, knows Christ in the Church, in that close-bonded family (see Gal. 4:28) in which we are children of one Father and brethren to one another (Gal. 3:28; 4:6).

Second, “each one [is to] examine his own work” and not to compare himself continually to others (Gal. 6:4). Foremost, we are accountable to Christ and to our Father, as the Holy Spirit reveals the will of God to us. In Christianity, which binds our lives to our brethren, always there is a temptation to judge ourselves by the standard of others around us, rather than to struggle toward the goal which the Lord has established for us: “Therefore you shall be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect” (Mt. 5:48). Each one stands before his Master (Rom. 14:4). We are presumptive if we take up God’s role as Judge – either of ourselves or of others.

Third, as each of us is to examine himself, so also “each one shall bear his own load” (Gal. 6:5). Let us not be burdens to others, as long as we are capable. Our Master has assigned to each one his own tasks and burdens in life. Others should not have to support us needlessly.

Fourth, concerning the case of those who serve the entire Church full-time, such as Pastors and teachers, the Apostle ordains, “Let him who is taught the word share in all good things with him who teaches” (vs. 6). Those who feed their brethren the “bread of the word” depend on the rest for their “daily bread.” The exchange is fair and just.

Fifth, a godly harvest does not come to those who fail to sow, cultivate, and labor. What if some workers come late in the day and are paid handsomely along with us (Mt. 20:1-15)? We are to fight against weariness “while doing good,” and “if we do not lose heart,” but persevere in the tasks assigned to us, God Himself promises, “we shall reap” (Gal. 6:9).

Sixth, “let us do good to all” (vs. 10). God does not hold us accountable for every human need in this world by this command. Rather, He sweeps away all human criteria for giving help. The Apostle’s meaning in saying “to all” is the point made in the parable of the Good Samaritan. The one we are to help is the one we find on the road. He is our neighbor (Lk. 10:29).

Finally, given the kinship we have in Christ with our brethren in the Church, our first obligation in helping is to assist “those who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).

O Lord, by Thy grace, may we not stand idle nor apart from the harvest while it is day.

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