Have you ever went to fly on a jet and had to have your baggage inspected? I have. Before they inspect it, they ask some questions which usually includes asking whether or not I packed the bag. I’ve never heard of anyone saying no unless it was their wife.

I ran across an old song today by Randy Stonehill entitled “Old Clothes.” I remember this song from way back. Songs seem to have a way of sneaking back into our thoughts. Holy Spirit has a way of bringing these things into our memory. When He does that, it is because He wants us to deal with something. When God shines a light on something in our life, we are then responsible for it. At that point we have to make a choice to either disregard what He is showing us or surrender to the prodding and receive healing or correction. God will not just show us something and leave us to our own devices. 1 Corinthians 10.13 says, “…with the temptation will also make a way of escape…” Simply put, God will show you how to correct it or receive the truth so you can be whole.

Toys from my childhood, old photographs
Left in this dusty old suitcase
The things we once cherished are lost with the past
Seek out the treasure that always will last

So I’m packing up my old clothes with my old and foolish ways
They just don’t seem to fit me anymore
I see the light of morning with different eyes today
And I’m giving my tomorrows to the Lord

So many heroes that never came through
Too many roads going nowhere
Jesus was whispering “I still love love you
With a love that makes all things new”

As I look through this dusty old suitcase, there are so many memories. Some are good and some aren’t. Some things that I used to cherish are no longer of value to me anymore. For instance, in my youth I used to think about how I wanted to have certain things. These things just don’t hold their value with me anymore. I guess they never really did have lasting value but youth has a way of blinding us to what really matters. I am amazed when I hear a 16 year old talking about getting a brand new Mustang when they don’t even have a full-time job. It’s good to dream and dream big so I’m not really critical. Besides, I’m sure I said the same thing.

Now I’m looking for something that will last. I was talking to one of my brothers a couple weeks ago and I was telling him my thoughts on family. For me, it’s not about which sibling has more or can do more. If we can’t do something because we are simply family, then what does it really matter? I see the legacy that we can pass down to our children. The Bible says that children are an inheritance from the Lord.

I’ve looked at my heroes who weren’t really heroes. Some were just out for their own gain. Some were on a journey just like me and made some mistakes. Some were truly heroes but I made them into idols. All the while and even still, Jesus was and is whispering His love for me. That’s what I’m hearing. Leave those things in the past.

So back to my suitcase…did I pack it? I sure did. I can’t blame anyone else for what’s inside. However, I still hear the voice of Jesus saying “I still love you.” I think I’ll let Him do the baggage check. I’ll let Him remove what doesn’t need to be in it.

Let’s explore what’s being pulled out….

…let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially every sin that so easily hinders our progress…
Hebrews 12.1