What to Carry First

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, for each one should carry his own load.” (Gal 6:2-5)

In this verse Paul writes of carrying the burdens of others, he also says we are to carry our own load as well. Carrying the burdens of others does not mean that we enable those who can’t carry their own weight, and we should manage our own load FIRST.

You know when you fly in an airplane and they give those announcements about what to do in an emergency? Why do you think they tell you if the oxygen masks come down to put yours on first before helping others? Because if you don’t take care of yourself and make sure you are able to help you won’t be good to others. That doesn’t mean be selfish and do things for yourself – I’m talking about a different concept – making sure you are filled and ready to give/serve.

As part of your morning routine, what are you doing to fill yourself up? Scripture reading, prayer, quiet time, walking – there are many ways for us to “feed our souls” in a way that help us get centered for the day so you are in a position to face the day and not be drained by those things on your list that are pulling you.

Setting boundaries is not only helpful but it’s encouraged by God.

Look at what he did for Moses when he was working to hard to solve the problems of others. Moses’ father-in-law to him “What you are doing is not good. You and these people who come to you will only wear yourselves out. The work is too heavy for you; you cannot handle it alone.” Moses needed a plan so that he didn’t wear himself out serving the needs of others. (Exodus 18:14-27)

What are you doing to fill yourself up so you have a well in you to give/serve to your family and others today?