Lighten the Load

“Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2

The backpacker and family camper live in two different worlds. The family camper is interested in large tents, sufficient cookware, inflatable mattresses, ice chests, and other such essentials. The backpacker, however, wants as little gear as possible for the journey. Everything must fit into a backpack, and the critical concerns are size and weight. His world is literally on his back and his load must be light.

Because eternity is such a hard thing to fathom, we tend to accumulate emotional and spiritual weights that God never intended for us to carry. The Scriptures speak of this life as a pilgrimage, not our forever home but merely part of a journey.

The best advice is to rid yourself of excess baggage. Do you lug around false guilt? Is there sin in your life you need to confess and stop practicing? Is your mind riddled with depressing thoughts? Is there someone whom you have offended that you need to ask forgiveness? Do you need to forgive a person who has hurt you deeply?

Let go of the crippling and fatiguing weights that exhaust your spiritual and emotional energy. You will find a new spring in your step and peace in your spirit while preparing to face the crises that are bound to strike.

“...they began to lighten the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea.” Acts 27:38