“Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Matthew 4:19

My bags are packed. I’m ready to go! How fun it is to go on journeys to other cities, states, or countries. Before each journey, I carefully plan what to take and then strategically work to get it all in my suitcase. I am one of those who takes extra “just in case.”

A journey with Jesus is quite different. Jesus said, If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me (Luke 9:23). He sent His disciples out to spread truth with these instructions, Take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bread, no bag, no money in your belts (Mark 6:8). A journey with Jesus is not about what you take with you. It’s about what you leave behind.

Can you imagine going on a hiking trip with a massive suitcase? Can you imagine trying to carry heavy baggage up hills or across rough terrain? At best you would be greatly slowed down on your journey. But more than likely, you would be unable to move forward at all. 

What baggage must I leave behind on my journey with Jesus? First, I must leave behind those sins that easily entangle me, those things that trip me up and make me ineffective in my walk with Jesus—sins like pride, jealousy, complacency, etc. I must leave behind self-made goals and self-confidence. I must leave behind anything that looks like the world and does not look like Jesus. 

The fact is I must leave behind all of me, trusting that Jesus is everything I need. He will cover me with His righteousness. He will sustain and strengthen me. He will equip me to do the work He has called me to do. His part is to supply all I need. My part is to simply follow. 

Lord, I confess I keep holding on to things you want me to leave behind. Help me put it all down and simply follow You. 

Jan Burkhart