Preparing for an international trip is a challenge. There are so many things to consider: what to include in my carry-on for the long flight, what type of clothing is appropriate for another culture and climate, how many pairs of shoes I should pack, which medications to take along, and of course, which books to take. Most airlines have weight restrictions, so we can’t take it all and it’s often hard to determine what to leave behind.

I started packing a week ago. I’m an organized person, so waiting until the last-minute stresses me out. Our suitcases are down from the shelf in the closet, several piles of neatly folded items dot my bedroom, and my outfit for the flight is laid out and ready to go. There are some items, however, that are still in limbo. I can’t decide. Do they stay or do they go?

Pruning and Prompting

We all must learn what to leave behind—not just in travel, but in life. When we come to Christ, God begins to prune and shape us, making us more like him. Inevitably, some aspects of our old life must go. The Holy Spirit is the agent of change, helping us to grow in grace and mercy, and convicting us of sinful attitudes and actions. God wants us to be the kind of women who reflect his love and forgiveness. The kind of women who will draw people to him.

I know when I came to Christ, I desperately needed pruning. In fact, God is still working on me. When the Holy Spirit convicts, I must heed his prompting and make the necessary changes, cooperating with God in this process of sanctification. In making the journey toward Christlikeness, there are certain things I have to leave behind.

If you think about it, we all sometimes exhibit sinful attitudes or do things that aren’t pleasing to the Lord. For example, have you ever uttered unkind words you regretted saying as soon as they left your mouth? Do you have a habit of being negative? Have you felt guilty after passing something on about a friend that shouldn’t have been shared? Are you self-centered? Are you intentionally holding on to anger and bitterness towards a family member or friend? Are there idols in your life that are more important to you than God (money, entertainment, status, a hobby, your children or spouse)?

Some of these habits, actions and attitudes are actually strongholds in our life that we feel helpless to break. The good news is, we don’t have to gather the strength to break them—the Holy Spirit can and does. Our job is to repent and ask him for help.

Traveling Light

Allow me, a fellow traveler, to help you pack, and give you some tips on what to leave behind:

• Gossip – It’s never a good idea to talk about others behind their back. Opportunities for gossip abound. Women are confronted with it almost daily and it can be hard to abstain. After all, we want to be liked and don’t want to lose friends. It’s easier to join in than to walk away or change the subject. But perhaps It’s time to take the high road and choose God’s way. A wise woman will hold things in confidence and resist the urge to pass it on. Next time, think before you speak if what you’re going to say is unkind, breaks a trust, or is harmful to someone’s reputation. (Proverbs 16:28, Ephesians 4:29)
• Unforgiveness – The Bible talks a lot about forgiveness. Therefore, it must be pretty important, don’t you think? When we harbor unforgiveness, it not only damages our relationship with the person, it also effects our fellowship with God. Unforgiveness is as damaging to us as it is to the person we’re shunning. The bitterness of unforgiveness builds up like a cancer, impacting other areas of our life. We’re called to forgive readily and repeatedly, whether or not the person who’s offended us has asked for our forgiveness. In fact, we should train our minds to be in a constant state of forgiveness. That way, when things happen, we’re already prepared to let it go. (Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22)
• Being Easily Offended – This idea of being easily offended is a hot topic right now. The greatest offense to the secular world currently—traditional Christian values. It’s a sad situation, for sure. Sometimes believers take things too personally, as well, and find offense over the slightest thing. We’re offended that we aren’t chosen for a committee, a team or a task. We’re offended that someone didn’t smile and say hello in the church hallway (they were probably just distracted). We’re offended that we’re never asked to sing a solo. We’re offended that the pastor didn’t visit us when we were sick. We need to learn that life is not all about us. We shouldn’t assume the worst when we feel slighted, and we must learn not to take everything personally. (Proverbs 19:11, Ecclesiastes &:21-22)
• Judgmental Attitudes—God loves each and every woman in your church, no matter their economic situation, their race, their personality, or their background. He loves them with the same unconditional  love with which he loves you. We are called to love everyone. Instead, we gather a small group around us and expend all our energy on that sweet little group of friends that look just like us. We don’t let anyone else in (think “mean girls” in high school). We forget to look around and really see the women in our church. We might even look down our noses at some of them. Jesus did the opposite. He reached out to the forgotten ones. There are women in your church who are lonely, hurting, desperate, or new. It’s time to leave our exclusivity and judgement behind and to reach out to someone who needs our love and attention—our friendship and encouragement. (Philippians 2:3, John 13:34, John 4:7-8)
• Perfectionism – Ooh, I’m probably going to step on toes here. My friend, your life does not have to be perfect. Your body doesn’t have to be perfect. Your home doesn’t have to be perfect, your clothes don’t have to be perfect, and your children don’t have to be perfect. Sadly, many women spend so much time crafting a flawless image that they miss the joy and freedom of not having to be perfect! God never said we need to be perfect. When we spend our time and energy chasing perfection, we can unknowingly drift far from the mission to which God has called us. Nobody is or will be perfect on this earth. Relax and enjoy life. Be real and authentic. Let someone see your wrinkles, your rowdy children, and your messy home. Share your authentic self with godly friends. Letting people see the real you will draw you closer.

My sisters in Christ, I hope this article has made you think about what baggage you may need to leave behind as you travel this life. We’re to walk in a manner worthy of our calling as children of God. That means some things need to go. As we grow into spiritual maturity, God helps us change those aspects of our life that are not pleasing to him. Things like, gossip, unforgiveness, an over-sensitive spirit, a judgmental attitude, and perfectionism. Pray for Holy Spirit power to leave that extra baggage behind. Traveling light brings peace, joy, blessing, and freedom.

Even though I prepared for my trip with military precision, my bag was still overweight. At the airport I had to shift some items over to my husband’s suitcase. All he brought was a toothbrush, his favorite shorts, a pair of tennis shoes, and a change of underwear. Thank goodness he packs light!

“Therefore, I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:1-3

“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”  Philippians 1:6