LENTEN DEVOTIONAL - Day 6

No Excess Baggage Allowed

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”– Philippians 3:13-14

            Baggage; the things we carry: things from the past that can be heavy and weigh us down, unnecessary things like past mistakes, or errors in judgment; they may be our fault, maybe not. They hang over our heads and cause regret. We need to leave them in the past.  That’s easier said than done. So many things in our present remind us of things from the past. They are obstacles to the progression of life. They are hindrances to our spiritual growth. When we take our focus off that which it is to be on, then our focus becomes blurry. Our sight is unclear. We must lift up all the hindrances to the Lord. We are to “forget those things which are behind.”

            I love history; I especially love the history of America. I love watching documentaries on the wars and the major events that shaped our great nation. Remembering one’s personal history can be fun, interesting, informative and rewarding all at the same time. That is not the type of history we need to drop and walk away from though. When we hang on to things that encumber us from the past it makes our walk with Christ much more difficult. We need to realize and understand that Christ isn’t the one that makes our lives difficult; we are. It’s difficult especially when we keep looking back at things that are historical. We know we cannot change those things, yet they cling to the deep recesses of our mind. We are to “reach forward to those things which are ahead.”  God’s plan for you doesn’t involve the baggage you carry from the past. It’s time to lay it down at the side of the road, as you would a heavy laden pack you would carry on a hike. Those things are inconsequential when compared to the riches awaiting you in Heaven. 

            Why do we make this trip more difficult than necessary? I still deal with the past on a regular basis, so I know all about this. It probably has to do with the cuts and bruises we picked up from our past associations. A knife wound may leave a scar, but it will eventually heal. Words spoken in hatred, intolerance and anger leave lasting scars that never quite heal. There always seems to be something that comes along to pick at the scab and reopen the wound, reminding us of the pain all over again. God’s prize is not unattainable. Without the weight of things past we could extend our reach that much further. Shake loose of those encumbrances from the past and be free to embrace that which you were called. God’s riches are waiting for you. No excess baggage allowed. Always remember, because of God’s grace you are no longer defined by your past mistakes. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing! rlkeller