Devotional

Devotionals Archive

Baggage

Jun 29, 2023

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12:1

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For years we have attended our church camp meeting. As our girls were growing up, what a load of baggage we used to take, trying to bring everything imaginable with us so we would have everything we needed. There were many church services and we did not know if the weather would be warm or cold. One summer, we got a dent in our trunk lid trying to close it when it was too full! Another time we literally pulled a trailer. I think that year we were taking a dresser for the little cabin that would be our home for two weeks.

Since our girls are grown, my husband and I have learned to travel somewhat lighter. It is so much easier going from home to the airport, from the airport to your destination, and later back home again, without dragging along bags and suitcases full of unnecessary stuff. Excess baggage is a real drag!

In our Christian walk it is also easy to carry excess baggage. Maybe we have been carrying the memory of how we felt when we were slighted by someone or injured by thoughtless words. Perhaps we tend to hold on to details in life that we feel are not quite right, and focus on those aspects rather than positive ones. It could be certain friends or activities that seem to drag us down, but for one reason or another we have chosen not to let go of them. It would be much easier to walk with the Lord if we would let go of the baggage that we do not need.

It is time to lay down whatever has hindered in the past and to start moving forward with unencumbered hearts. We have a goal that we are striving for: to make Heaven our home, and to bring as many others with us as we can. Let us determine to keep our focus on Heaven and to lay aside any extra baggage, so we can move ahead in this glorious Gospel!