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I wrote the following blog post back in 2007. I framed it within an orthodox perspective for people who read my personal blog, but it applies figuratively within a heterodox perspective, as well. I thought of it today, as I was adding a quote to our “Useful Quote of the Day” thread. I hope it helps someone – that the decision to share the link was inspired in some way.
“Carrying His Load” (
http://thingsofmysoul.blogspot.com/2007/11/carrying-his-load.html The other day I was waiting in an airport to fly home. I had just visited family. I sat processing our history and personalities while I waited. I saw some tendencies in me that I hadn’t fully noticed before. I am a giver, helper, assister. Not just in a people pleasing way but in a “helping others makes life easier” way. As I examined it closer I saw how maybe I had been collecting other people’s stuff. Like if I had a basket, and after every encounter I “took” some of their stuff with me. Well meaning in intent, but not useful to either one of us. I don’t know why I do this. It’s second nature to me. But I see that it is one of those unnecessary burdens I have chosen to create.
I think I will try repeating the mantra you suggested or one near to it.
Thanks.
Please provide some examples as to how this might work for an individual. It sounds like the responsibilities and duties involved in our church covenants became his “yoke” that we receive in exchange for our earthly pack of burdens.
Suppose an individual was naturally predisposed to loud laughter and that is something that they had been taught was a personal weakness. Would the shame from that “weakness” constitute part of the earthly pack of burdens that should have been left at the Saviors feet. Should that person feel guilt for and work to reduce or eliminate the weakness or embrace that God already paid for it and perhaps work to eliminate it out of gratitude or perhaps a third option that I am not quite seeing?
I see possible parallels with Stephen Robinson’s Following Christ or Brad Wilcox’s “His Grace is Sufficient” wherein as members of the family of God we are recipients of all the benefits and privileges associated with this family relationship. However, once inside the fold we still “do our chores” (Robinson) or “practice for heaven” (Wilcox). Is that what you were thinking Ray?
I am short on time right now, but I believe our 2nd Article of Faith teaches grace FAR more expansively than we collectively realize. I think we “have been saved” in a very real way and that our view of atonement should be liberating and empowering of progressive change, not regressive guilt and shame. I think we carry so many burdens unnecessarily. Old Timer wrote:
I am short on time right now, but I believe our 2nd Article of Faith teaches grace FAR more expansively than we collectively realize. I think we “have been saved” in a very real way and that our view of atonement should be liberating and empowering of progressive change, not regressive guilt and shame. I think we carry so many burdens unnecessarily.
:thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:
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