Stuff, Stuff, & More Stuff

We are packing up to move. I never cease to be amazed at how much stuff we have. Even though, every time we've moved, I try to get rid of all the stuff I don't think I need somehow it still seems like I have too much stuff.

A lot of my stuff has memories attached to it. Like the Rubbermaid box filled with adorable outfits in pristine condition that my boys wore in their first year of life...the notes that friends and co-workers have given me over the past thirteen years or so...the shoebox filled with letters and postcards from friends in middle school, high school, and college. I've tried to get rid of stuff but I just can't seem to let certain things go.

I envy Paul, who wrote in Philippians 3:13-14: "...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." How much spiritual "stuff" do we carry around, reluctant to let go of for one reason or another? When God gently prods our memories and suggests--in His gentlemanly way--that we leave that thing behind, is our response: "But God...?"

What if we had to pay for all the baggage we carry around, like when we fly? I recently had to pay $15 to check one bag. I couldn't avoid it I was staying for 5 days and 4 nights and there was no way I could fit everything into two carry-ons. Trust me, I tried! What would our bill total up to if we had to check all of our spiritual baggage?

I thank God that Jesus paid all of my debts but for the sake of my own walk with Him I also pray that He would help me to "downsize" my spiritual baggage. I've come a long way but I still have far to go. I want to finish this race well and press on toward the goal for the prize which is Jesus and all that He obtained for me.

What about you? How much baggage are you carrying around? Why not visit the cross today and leave as much as you can at its foot.