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Suitcases
Posted by
Bob Fetherlin
,
21 June 2008
·
993 views
We use suitcases to take what we need when going on a trip. Last week my wife Esther and I challenged new appointees at Pre-Field Orientation to make sure they pack the right things in their suitcases. All of them are headed out for cross-cultural service this summer with their first assignment being the learning of language and culture. They have some huge challenges just ahead, and having the right things in their suitcase is essential.
There are some items that should not be taken with us regardless of where we're going. Fear, the goal of upward mobility, an inflated need for affirmation, a sense of being superior, and self-centeredness are just a few of the many things we urged new appointees to not pack in their suitcases.
Other items should definitely be packed. A heart for God and love for people should go in every person's suitcase. Security in who we are in Christ needs to be near the top of our packing lists. There should be room for humility, love for the imperfect, earthly expression of the Body of Christ, a grateful heart, and the Bible (to master it so the God through His word masters us). It never hurts to pack some comparison vaccine, so that instead of comparing self with others, we rejoice in the gifting and blessings they have. Small open spaces in our suitcases can be filled with words of encouragement to pass out after arriving at our new destination.
There are restrictions on the size, weight, and number of suitcases a person can take. That's why making sure we have the right things packed is so incredibly important. Our impact for Christ depends on intentionally leaving certain things home . . . and making sure we take other things with us.
Knowing those of us following Christ are pilgrims in this world, do you have the right things packed in the suitcase representing your life?
There are some items that should not be taken with us regardless of where we're going. Fear, the goal of upward mobility, an inflated need for affirmation, a sense of being superior, and self-centeredness are just a few of the many things we urged new appointees to not pack in their suitcases.
Other items should definitely be packed. A heart for God and love for people should go in every person's suitcase. Security in who we are in Christ needs to be near the top of our packing lists. There should be room for humility, love for the imperfect, earthly expression of the Body of Christ, a grateful heart, and the Bible (to master it so the God through His word masters us). It never hurts to pack some comparison vaccine, so that instead of comparing self with others, we rejoice in the gifting and blessings they have. Small open spaces in our suitcases can be filled with words of encouragement to pass out after arriving at our new destination.
There are restrictions on the size, weight, and number of suitcases a person can take. That's why making sure we have the right things packed is so incredibly important. Our impact for Christ depends on intentionally leaving certain things home . . . and making sure we take other things with us.
Knowing those of us following Christ are pilgrims in this world, do you have the right things packed in the suitcase representing your life?
