ACCORDING to an English language dictionary, the word burden is associated with that which is undesirable even oppressive, that which is heavy and borne with difficulty or that which is emotionally difficult to bear.

However, throughout the journeys traveled by most wayƒarers, the word burden takes on an added association, particularly one of life preserving.

Thus, the burden become both that which is borne by a wayƒarer and also what bears a wayƒarer.

The former refers to that which is carried with much difficulty due to the often oppressive weight. The later refers to all of those things which cover, ensconce, protect and sustain a wayƒarer during the journey on.

Of primary importance concerning any collection of possessions that a wayƒarer could accumulate as contents of the scrip, is the Need to keep it simple. In fact, foremost in the wayƒarer′s entire life journey is simplicity. As ascertained while first backpacking on the Appalachian Trail, a hundred pounds of lightweight backpacking gear still weights a hundred pounds. Therefore, the burden, like all aspects of a wayƒarer′s journeying must be kept to a minimum, kept single. (Matthew 6:22)

The concept of this word single [Hebrew: hap·loûs; meaning: simple; and when used figuratively: clear, focused] in this verse as used in the phrase: "thine eye be simple" does therefore mean singleness of mind and/or focus on one purpose.

Thus, if our focus is on just physical things, we will lack time in our life for the more important things, such as our worship, which includes studying the Bible, sharing what we learn with others and meeting with the brotherhood of Christians. (Phillippians 1:10 NWT) In contrast, the joy we receive when we serve God far surpasses any joy we can ever obtain by increasing the contents within our Burden.

Furthermore, being totally convinced that serving God is the single most important of all our endeavors, is crucial for our well being as well as for our everlasting life. (Psalm 19:8) (Ecclesiastes 5:12) (2 Corinthians 1:2)

Thus, each of the seven Burden Level Menu choices beneath The Burden Passage Level Menu take you to pages that will discuss several of the aspects of what a wayƒarers has chosen to make a part of his Burden, especially those things which cover, ensconce, protect and sustain.

However, what about worship, is that not a necessary item to carry within the Burden?

Yes, our worship of the Most High God is so totally necessary. (Psalms 83:18) In fact, without the worship that God approves, we are nothing, we have nothing and we will never gain life, that life Jesus said his Father would provide. (John 3:16)

However, why is our Worship not contained within the Burden?

First of all, we may consider that the Bible is part of that which is carried within the Burden and yes, the Bible is part of the Burden, as it meets ever requirement of which the Burden demands. And, yes, reading the Bible is necessary for us to begin our journey to find that path which is necessary for each and every one of us to walk, the path that ultimately leads to the True Worship of our heavenly Father.

Our life has been compared to a journey, or, if I may, a life journey which is defined figuratively as the eternal path one walks upon when learning about God and striving to do his will. (Matthew 6: 9-10)

Early on, in my life journey, I began to carry within my Burden, a Bible and from its pages did I read daily from. Further, this life journey is not one that everyone chooses for their own, (Jeremiah 6:16;) but for one to do so, is a choice that each of us must purposely choose.

For me, as I walk the path that I had chosen, I repeatedly pick up the Word of God, which truth, slowly began to enter into my thinking, which also not long after began to touch my heart. (John 17:17;  Psalm 119:160)

Soon after, I began to pray to God, asking for his direction, and it did not take too long before those prayers had invoked answers, answers that I not only never expected but were answers that, if I was to accept them and act upon them, would ultimately result in my taking step upon the figurative life journey. (James 4:8)

What did I find out about the Path to True Worship?

Jesus said during his Sermon on the Mound at: (Matthew 7:21) "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. [KJV]"

Upon my reading that verse, I came to understand very clearly that during the last days of this world [Greek: aión, meaning: an age, the world] there will be many people who will say that they themselves as Christian, but will prove false to our only owner, and Lord, Jesus Christ. (Acts 20: 29,  30;  2 Peter 2:1;  Jude 4)

So, who are the People of God?

When on the earth, Jesus gathered to himself a People, taught them how to obey the voice of his Father and then sent them out to find and teach others both how to Choose Life and how to Obey the Voice of God. (Acts 15:14) (1 Peter 2:10)

Then, these disciples formed the nucleus of a fast growing congregation of The People who would first dedicate their lives to serving the most high God and then followed through with whatever effort it took to do so successfully. (Psalms 83:18)

The People of God