“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

Galatians 6:2

They are a nuisance. They build unsightly mounds in the ground and their bites hurt. A ton. Deanna is so allergic to their venom—she has scars!

Fire ants are no joke. And, because they are so small, you don’t see them until they sting you with their mandibles. Steer clear of these pests.

But, they are also fascinating creatures. And they can teach us some powerful things about community. A hive of ants have an uncanny instinct towards survival. They work together, protect each other, and their resilience helps them overcome certain doom.

In regions where flood waters come and go with the seasons, an entire colony could be wiped out by the rising water. Instead, the entire colony of fire ants link together in a living lifeboat. Each member locks arms—well, really it is those same mandibles that cause us havoc, but you get the idea. The ants link up, one to another, and hold tight together. In joining together, this colony becomes a water tight floating vessel that carries the whole group to dry ground. The queen—the most important member of the whole colony but also the most vulnerable—is placed in the middle of the boat. Surrounding her are the larva and the youngest of these insects. 

These red ant life boats are such a unique phenomenon in the animal kingdom that biologists classify this as a living organism. Not the ants and their colony, the lifeboat itself. It is as if the lifeboat were its own separate species of animal. 

These red ants pull a similar stunt when they need to span a gap and get from one place to another. They form a living rope or a living ladder. Little ants link together to form a living bridge from one side to the next. 

I’ve never loved red ants. But, the way they work together and navigate challenges together is fascinating and admirable. From a distance…. Always from a distance.

And I believe they provide us a beautiful metaphor for what the Body of Christ is invited into together. Storms rage in this life. Floodwaters rise all around us with challenges, hardships, and burdens. Who do you link up with to help see you through?

In a world that continues to trumpet the wisdom of looking out for yourself, how can you be countercultural and look out for the group? Whose arms are you linking with—so they don’t float away in the storm and so you don’t blow away in the wind? 

This is the invitation of Jesus into the body of Christ. It is not just about the things you get out of being a part of the group. It is also the gifts you offer and the way you are now a part of the team. You belong here. Because of Jesus, you belong. And, belonging has its benefits. And its responsibilities. 

Bearing one another’s burdens is not just about lending a hand when someone is in need. It’s more than buying the meal for the guy who doesn’t have enough cash in his wallet. It is more than praying for your friend who is headed into surgery. Bearing burden’s is more than a listening ear, a meal delivered, or helping out with a project. Certainly, it can be all of those things. But it is much more too.

The power of the Body of Christ is recognizing that you are a part of it. Not because of you—but because of Jesus. He welcomes you. He claims you. You and I are unworthy. We are undeserving. In grace, Jesus extends his hands out to you. How far does he extend them? From one side of the cross to the other. His arms were nailed wide open and He gladly embraces you.

And, in His embrace, you are invited into an embracing community of people. As someone whose burden has been lifted by Jesus—go and carry someone else’s. You know what the beauty of helping someone else with their burden’s is all about? It isn’t that the weight is a little lighter—though that’s nice. It isn’t that the work gets done quicker or the pain and challenge is a little easier to swallow. The power of carrying another’s burdens is that they don’t have to do it alone. Never underestimate the power of letting someone know you are standing by their side. 

You are not alone. You do not face the storms or the rising floods by yourself. We stand with you. You stand with me. I’ll stand with you. Together we are linked by the body and blood of Jesus. Together, nothing can stop us. 

Not even a colony of fire ants itching to bite at your feet.

Who is someone vulnerable in your life that needs you to lock onto them so they remember that they belong? Pray for them. Reach out to them in the week ahead so they know they are not alone.