Too much 'stuff' in our lives is a problem. Someone has said there is a tiny little chord between you and everything you own and each thing you own drains just a little bit of your energy. Too much 'stuff' and you can end up pinned down: a bit like that image of the giant Gulliver pinned down in Lilliput by 1000 tiny strings.
Remembering we are on a journey, whether that is a cycle ride or simply the journey of life, reminds us that we should 'travel light'.
When Jesus sent out his disciples, he twice told them to travel extremely light:
'Take nothing for the journey – no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic' Luke 9:3 [NIV]
I wonder why he gave them such extraordinary advice. I think it was partly because he wanted them to trust in his provision but also because he wanted them to depend on the generosity of those who were receiving them. It is a humbling thing to be dependent. We are not used to it. We value independence, especially our individual independence far too much.
Asking people to help you is one of the simplest ways of opening a door in a relationship; it is to make yourself vulnerable.
So there are two ways you can apply this. Practically: take a look round at all your 'stuff' is there anything you could give away today? Spiritually: where are you trying to be independently self-sufficient and how might revealing your neediness open a door in a relationship?
Sheila Bridge
P. S Today is Swanton Morley to March: 53 miles and, rightly or wrongly I am carrying bags, food, money, extra clothes but no staff! Please pray for no breakdowns.
No comments:
Post a Comment