"Lost Baggage"

“Lost Baggage”

When a couple came to me asking that I officiate at their wedding I gave them a paper explaining the guidelines of my involvement which included three to five premarital counseling sessions. (It wasn’t uncommon that they decided to make other arrangements once they found out about the procedure.) As part of the preparation process I led the prospective bride and groom through an exercise in which they wrote down some things they were bringing into their relationship and how potential conflicts could be addressed. I’d learned from pastoral experience that if these matters weren’t discussed beforehand the resulting “baggage” was likely to cause problems and lend credence to the old adage, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”.

As used in the scenario above baggage refers to issues from one’s past which can negatively impact his/her present and future. If these factors aren’t taken seriously and dealt with the results can be devastating for everyone involved. Some try to avoid coming to grips with such concerns by finding a new job, moving to a new location, divorcing, attending a different church or other attempts to evade confronting them. But unless one believes that God can bring positive changes and is committed to allowing Him to do His work a new environment or relationship will soon become “same ol’, same ol’”.

Scripture provides cases in point of people who were able to “lose” their baggage when they met Jesus and followed Him (the two tax collectors, Matthew/Levi and Zacchaeus, are notable examples—read about them in Luke 5:27-28 and 19:1-10 respectively). But the greatest illustration is Saul of Tarsus, later known as The Apostle Paul. He had a past of persecuting God’s people which he regretted but God’s grace provided the wherewithal to “…(Forget) what is behind and (strain) towards what is ahead….” (Philippians 3:13) because he was sure that “I can do everything with the help of Christ who gives me the strength I need.” (Philippians 4:13, NLT, emphasis added). The same divine resource is available to each of us.

When we travel by plane a fee is usually charged for checked luggage. There’s also a price to be paid for taking baggage with us through life—broken relationships, unhappiness and lack of purpose can rob us of the best God has for us, Usually missent possessions are found and a joyful reunion takes place (been there, done that). But life’s lost baggage is best left behind so it doesn’t entangle us in its clutches. David invites us to “Give your burdens to the Lord, and he will take care of you.” (Psalm 55:22, NLT). Will you accept His offer?

Grace and Blessings!

Jim McMillan

(With helpful input from Karen)