I could be a charter member of “Over-packers Anonymous.” Bydefault, I pack for every conceivable contingency. My stack of items far exceeds the capacity of mysuitcase. My husband is patiently teaching me to choose fewer items to pack. He also cheerfully offers to carry necessary things I cannot. Since he is an absolute minimalist when packing, his suitcase always has extra room.
FEELING OVERLOADED?
Have you ever felt overloaded in your Christian Walk? As followers of Jesus on the journey of life, the less of our own stuff we accumulate and carry, the more we can help others carry their heavy load. This is Jesus’ plan for us.
WHAT’S IN YOUR BAGS?
Galatians 6:4-5 tells us to look at what is in our baggage:” each one must carefully scrutinize his own work [examining his actions, attitudes, and behavior] … For every person will have to bear [with patience] his own burden [of faults and shortcomings for which he alone is responsible]”. What attitudes, actions and behaviors do you choose to pack in the bag you carry daily?
It is easy to fill our bags with fear, unforgiveness, a critical spirit, the urge to control or fix others, lopsided priorities, unresolved pain, a tendency to overspend, guilt and shame. Jesus says in Matthew 11:30 that the packing list He has for us is light, “My yoke is easy [to bear] and My burden is light.”
JESUS’ PACKING LIST
What do you pack that is not on Jesus’ packing list? Our job is to be willing to open up the luggage of our hearts. Look at the contents with Jesus. He will help us get rid of things that weigh us down. As we patiently and faithfully cooperate with God, our personal burden gets lighter. We can help carry the heavy burdens of those around us, to the glory of God.
A REGULAR BAG CHECK
This bag check is not a one-time thing. It is something we need to do on a regular basis. We can be easily discouraged regarding all of the stuff we carry around. Do not lose heart. Jesus promises to make everything new (Rev 21:5), including our misguided actions, attitudes and behaviors. Perfection will not come until Jesus returns, but His Kingdom is present now. He is transforming each of us one day at a time. Let Jesus lighten your load.