Excess Baggage

Last year we experienced two quite different holidays, one by car and one by plane. As we packed for our plane journey, weight restrictions and bag sizes challenged us. We were used to travelling in our old car with plenty of room, so we could take much paraphernalia. But for the plane travel, we had to be very particular—weighing each article and packing and repacking our suitcases until they were under the required weight. This made us much more aware of which items were really necessary to take with us.

God is showing me that just as on our car holidays, I drag along unnecessary things on my life’s journey. I think I’ll need them; but in reality they are baggage from the past, habits that I don’t need, thoughts that flood my mind and weigh down my spirit.

Becoming Christians means we are to start a new life—parting with our old life and our old ways. Gradually, as we pay attention, we can see God’s Holy Spirit revealing our destructive attitudes and habits. This process frees up space in our minds and hearts to fill with the freedom that Christ—through his suffering—has won for us.

Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, help us listen to your Holy Spirit to discern the old ways we need to get rid of and give us strength to let go of them. In Jesus’ name. Amen