I carry around a backpack as part of my job. The other day, I slung it on, and it seemed heavier than normal. After some investigating, the additional weight turned out to be about 20 sheets of labels and a multi-bit screwdriver. I found it interesting how a few little things can add up to something noticeable.
My backpack has a couple of larger items, a laptop, a writing tablet, and an ebook reader. But it also has a variety of smaller items like keys, backup USB drives, spare glasses, and a variety of cables and adapters. Every now and then, I clean house, so to speak, and consider what I’m carrying around. It always feels lighter after I’m done. The thing is that many of the items in my backpack only weigh a few ounces. They wouldn’t seem to make much difference at all – but they do.
The writer of Hebrews said, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)
When we go through the backpack of our hearts, there are many things that seem inconsequential and of little weight. A small offense that we still carry around with us. A sin that really doesn’t seem to be of much consequence. That memory that we just can’t let go of. The words spoken by someone which gave us a false image of ourselves or others. Our little book of do’s and don’ts by which we judge others. None of those seem very heavy, but they do add up to a great weight.
Perhaps it’s time to go through that backpack of life that we carry around with us. Examine the things we carry and lighten our load. As you do, you’ll find many things which seem lightweight and inconsequential. The temptation will be to hold on to them – don’t. Trust me. All those little things add up very quickly.
It may seem easier just to throw away the whole backpack. But there are some things which we should carry – things like loving God and loving others, integrity, responsibility, and compassion. Those items don’t slow us down but support us in the race God has set before us.
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