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RENDEZVOUS

Spiritual Lessons From Moving

by Dave Knight, Heritage Bible Church, Butte

When one moves after being in one spot for almost 16 years, the challenge is daunting. One never realizes how much junk is accumulated over that time. A lot of stuff gets pushed into drawers, closets, cupboards, garage, shed, etc. These things are in the "vertical." But when one moves, stuff goes into boxes, which is definitely on the "horizontal." What a surprise! A lot should have been given away or just plain thrown out. Clothes that don’t fit or are worn out. Electronics or appliances that are broken. Toys that are no longer wanted or work.

Our lives are a lot like moving. As Jesus stated in John 5:24, those who believe on Him have everlasting life and are "passed from death to life." The word "passed" has the idea of "move." As we move from death to life, the Holy Spirit begins to go through the things we have accumulated over the years of our lives. We begin to discover how much "junk" we have. It may be material possessions, emotional, moral, spiritual, and psychological baggage, financial burdens, or an entire list of other sins and weaknesses. Even the cobwebs and dust bunnies get heavy when accumulated over time!

Hebrews 12:1, "...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily beset us...." In light of moving, this could be interpreted as throwing out things which hinder us.

As with moving, new life in Christ isn’t easy, but God provides the help we need. As Millie, Deb, and I received help from God’s people, so God will help you.

As a Christian who has trusted Jesus as Savior, what have you accumulated over the years? What do you still need to throw out that was left from your unsaved life? What burdens are you still carrying?

Do you dread the idea of ever moving? Or fear the discomfort in moving old "stuff" around in your head or heart? This might be a good time to go through it all. What doesn’t "fit" anymore? Let the Holy Spirit, through the Word of God, enable you to throw out the things in your life that prevent you from a clean and unencumbered life with Christ. It isn’t easy, but it is worth it.