He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother, was a cool song in 1970. The soulful lyrics encouraged people to help others travel the long road with many a winding turn. The authors go on to write that they are laden with sadness that everyone’s heart isn’t filled with the gladness of love for one another. Some very appropriate words 50 years later.
The song pleaded with people to care for their brothers and sisters. It is very similar to God’s command for brothers and sisters in Christ: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).
A Few Simple Observations
- God does not ask believers to qualify how someone got their burden – He asks us to help them with it. We should look for brothers and sisters in the Lord who are carrying a burden and help them. This is done best face to face and one on one. It does not require an institution or a program.
- The Body of Christ is an amazing organism, organization, and metaphor in God’s Word. And it is even more amazing when it plays out in real life. We all have burdens and we are not created to carry them alone. Look for someone with a burden and ask how you can help.
- One of the motivations for carrying another’s burden is plainly stated in the verse referenced above, in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. As followers of Jesus we are to love our neighbors as ourselves and we are to love other followers of Christ. Jesus promises that the world will notice when Christians show love to other Christians.
So how can this burden-carrying transfer to the athletic arenas we infiltrate?
- It should not need to be said, but since sometimes our competitive instincts take over, I will remind all of us: As followers of Christ we need to be good teammates and good co-competitors. Being the jerk on the field or court will defuse our attempts to fulfill the law of Christ in our sports. If you struggle in this area, check out Eternity Sports’ free study on how to exhibit the Fruit of the Spirit in our games. https://www.eternitysports.com/fruit-of-the-spirit
- Another given, I would hope, is to devote yourself to prayer as you seek to carry the burdens of your brothers and sisters. See Colossians 4:2-6 for a strategic prayer list. Trying to carry the burdens of others in our own power will lead to frustration.
- Invest time before and after the game, workout, or hike to get to know others in your sport. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. As people share their hurts, concerns, or hurdles, lean on God, then lean into those who are especially burdened at this critical season. Step out in faith and ask how you can help. Then listen, pray, and serve.
The sports we love provide amazing bridges to diverse gatherings. Employ that bridge as a connection point to get to know people beyond the sport. Abraham was promised to receive God’s blessing and, to be a blessing to others. Part of the blessing to Abraham was allowing that blessing to flow out to and help others. How cool would it be for you to receive the eternal blessing of carrying your brother’s or sister’s burden, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Because in truth, He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother.
