Excess Luggage

I was preparing for a trip abroad, ensuring that everything was in order. I had my ticket, confirmed my seat, and eagerly awaited the departure day. When the day finally arrived, I packed my bags and suitcases, ready for the journey.

At the airport, I joined the long check-in line, watching through the plane’s window as some passengers had already boarded, carefully placing their hand luggage in the overhead compartments. The plane stood on the tarmac, awaiting the final “boarding complete” signal before takeoff.

Finally, it was my turn to check in. The crew member looked at me and said, “You cannot travel on this flight.” “Why not?” I asked, confidently believing I had met all the necessary requirements.

The flight attendant responded, “This aircraft cannot take you and all these pieces of luggage.”

“Pieces of luggage”? Turning around, I was utterly shocked. Behind me stood a massive pile of baggage, wrapped in black plastic, varying in shapes and sizes. I had been completely unaware of them. How had I accumulated all this luggage without realizing it all belonged to me? Absolutely,  there was no way that those pieces of baggage would fit into the aircraft.

At that moment, I woke up. It was a dream. Obviously, it wasn’t just any dream—it was a warning message from God. At the time, I was a dedicated child of God. What could have happened? I knew that to embark on the spiritual journey ahead, I had to rid myself of any “excess luggage”. But what could those be? Physically, it was puzzling. I knew something was wrong, and I needed time with God.

Right away, I fell on my knees, weeping, searching, and praying.

Today, as believers in Christ, what excess luggage are we carrying? Where have we allowed dirt to stain our clean garments? Do we harbor hatred, anger, malice, unforgiveness, immorality in action or thought, pornography, jealousy, sinful pleasures, revenge, hypocrisy, gossip, slander, prejudice, or pride—whether in race, position, education, or power? Are we full of church activities yet empty of God? Are we self-righteous and disobedient? Instead of justifying these burdens, why not lay them at the feet of Christ? Traveling light is always better.

Often, we are unaware of these burdens, which is why, like the Psalmist, we must pray: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:  And see if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:23-24).

Sometimes, we wonder why we need to keep going to church, praying, and meditating on scriptures after salvation. These are necessary to keep us in God’s will so that His revelation and Word can correct us, instruct us in righteousness, humble us, reveal the true state of our hearts, and show us the way to escape and be restored. While we sleep, the enemy may sneak into our lives and plant tares among the seeds of our souls.

We sometimes wonder why miracles seem to have ceased in many Christian gatherings. Why has revival tarried? Could it be that God’s Word is no longer impacting us but merely sitting on our heads? A pastor recently emphasized that reading the Bible should be for the transformation of our lives, not just to keep increasing our knowledge.

Could it be that we are deaf to God’s voice? Are we full of complaints and murmuring instead of interceding for the church and the world? Do we fight with our spouses yet never miss a church service? Do we suppress others’ destinies while claiming to be Christlike? If we humble ourselves and invite God to search our hearts—whether our struggles are visible or concealed—He will purify us before it’s too late.

Jesus spoke about the wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25. They were all virgins—believers—but approached their faith differently. Some were superficial, complacent, and self-sufficient, while others took the extra steps to ensure they had all the essential spiritual virtues instead of the excess baggage of assumption and false eternal security.

The Lord disciplines and corrects those He loves. For whom the LORD loves He corrects, Just as a father the son in whom he delights – Proverbs 3:12.  But the real question is: How open are we to God’s correction? We all know that correction is never sweet. How willing are we to let God’s Word cleanse and transform us? When was the last time God’s Word struck us so deeply that it brought us to our knees?

Instead of getting defensive, blaming the preacher, or holding grudges, have we taken a moment to look inward and ask God for help? Each of us is accountable to God, and He remains in charge of His creation. He warns that His Spirit will not always strive with man (Genesis 6:3). If we remain teachable and humble, we will not stray from His path. But if our pride and self-reliance grow stronger than the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit, we are in great danger.

A Call to Spiritual Cleansing

Like a careful driver navigating a sparkling clean car, sometimes we cannot avoid splashes of dirt from other vehicles. Or, as pedestrians, we may get sprayed with dirty water on our beautiful clothes. When an accidental stain occurs, we are intentional about washing it off immediately before it leaves a permanent mark. Likewise, as we read God’s Word, fellowship with believers, pray, and worship sincerely, the Holy Spirit reveals areas in our lives that need cleansing. When we surrender our burdens and struggle to Christ, He rewards us with His rest and holiness.

Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

When we come to God in salvation, He receives us and loves us deeply. When we err, He corrects us with love and, at times, chastises us. When we are about to stray, He leads us back to His path. One of God’s defining characteristics is guidance. He directs us through His Word, dreams, an inner voice, unique occurrences, and pastors messages. Nothing happens to a child of God without His knowledge. If only we remain humble, allowing Him to lead us through this noisy, chaotic world, we will not be lost. God will never allow His children to walk into destruction without warning. He is always faithful to correct and alert His own of any pending dangers.

Heavenly Father, we seek Your ongoing guidance, support, patience, and love to withstand the enemy’s traps and deception. Please give us a humble and teachable heart, one that is pliable in Your hands.