“Do not get any gold or silver or copper to take with you in your belts—no bag for the journey or extra shirt or sandals or staff, for the worker is worth his keep.” (Matthew 10:9)
One of the devil’s most devious darts is to burden the believer with “stuff” that can slow the forward progress in sharing the gospel message. Today’s word of encouragement is rooted in these words from our Lord in sending us out to expand His kingdom in this world:
One purse – One staff – One pair of shoes
Jesus sends us out into the world to do His bidding and tells us to take with us just what is needed. Why? Because He goes with us and He is all we really need. But the devil wants us to weigh ourselves down with every imaginable excess, which impacts our effectiveness as kingdom workers.
So let me ask you this question: Is there any excess that has been weighing you down and impeding your forward progress in expanding the cause of Christ?
Perhaps the best way to explain today’s passage as it relates to you and me is this: When we “travel light” in serving our Lord, we are making the statement for all the world to see that we trust in and depend on our Lord alone for our strength, sustenance, and success. We must be ready, willing, and able to trust in the power of the Almighty alone for our ever provision. When we are unencumbered by material goods in our service to God, then we can give our undivided attention to our calling.
The key is to remember the principle of possessions: It is not what you possess, but what possesses you. Regardless of what we have . . . little or much . . . we are to keep our eyes of faith on the Author and Perfecter of our faith. When we travel light, we travel most like our Lord Jesus Christ. His focus was totally outward and other-oriented.
May that be the confession of our lives as we head into each day in service to our Lord Jesus Christ—carrying only just what is needed!
This is the Gospel. This is grace for your race. NEVER FORGET THAT . . . AMEN!
Grace for the Race 