Daily Devotional, July 16, 2024 The Check-in Counter
"And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O Lord, have not forsaken those who seek you."
Psalm 9:10
One of the most exciting parts of any trip to a foreign land is shopping. And over-buying things for yourself and for loved ones as “pasalubong” is almost a given for most travellers. And so one of the most suspenseful portions of travelling back to one’s country or city is if our check-in baggage will make it into our airline’s baggage limit. Any excess baggage must be paid for, or if not left elsewhere — with the people bringing you to the airport, to the trash bin, or to whomever would like to have it.
As followers of Jesus, we must likewise be wary about what we bring along in our faith walk with Him. We must not be saddled with excess baggage that could distract us from journeying with the Lord.
"let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,"
Hebrews 12:1b
In the Gospel accounts, Jesus Christ gave his disciples pointers about how they would conduct their mission work. One of His reminders to them is to not bring extras nor provisions as they go from town to town to preach the Good News.
"He charged them to take nothing for their journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belts— but to wear sandals and not put on two tunics."
Mark 6:8-9a
In our life journey, provisions may be needed, but anything excess of it could weigh on us heavily that we may choose to rest here and there and lose sight of Jesus. For instance, even if we can afford it, travelling with too much luggage does not only slow us down, and tire us out, we also become a burden to those we travel with.
As for our home life, ask any advocate of minimalism and He will tell you that excess stuff inside your house will wear you out too. It will clutter your house, your mind, and will require a lot of your time to organize and maintain. Such time could have been used for prayer, bible study, spending time with family, and faithfully pursuing God’s mission for us.
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:19-21
Pursuing even more provisions in life can also weigh us down. Our pursuit of more wealth will take our minds off our resolve to follow Jesus in every way. When given the opportunity to earn more, we could likely be tempted to forego spending time with the Lord just to make sure we and our loved ones will have enough “just in case.”
“But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’“This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for themselves but is not rich toward God.”
Luke 12:20-21
So going back to travelling, can you ask yourself right now about the things that you bring in your heart and mind everyday that weighs you down? What is that something that Jesus is asking you to give up in heaven’s baggage counter so that you could travel at ease through eternal life? Or are you in a state where you are willing to pay just to have these extras with you?Here’s a list you can check:
1. The extra baggage of pursuing power, prestige, and pleasures
2. The extra luggage meant for an endless search for lovelife3. The extra bag of regrets and resentments
4. The additional package of anger and grudges5. Your favorite sins which you choose to not part with, and even wish to hand carry
If we choose to continue bringing these things with us, let us keep in mind that there is a price to pay. If in the check in counter we will be asked to pay an extra fee to journey with excess baggage, in life we will need to pay for it too.
Unfortunately life’s currency is not in pesos or dollars. It is in the form of peace, joy, time with our loved ones and God’s presence and guidance in our lives. Do we want to bring all of this excess baggage at the expense of our relationship with God, our peace of mind, true joy, and meaningful memories with the people God has blessed our life with?
I don’t think so.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Mark 6:7-13 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Are you bringing along excess baggage?
Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for the gift of life and allowing me to journey with you. Reveal to me my Lord the excess baggage that I need to give up in order to joyously follow you. I want to remain in your presence, and be with you forever. Amen.
