The Lord has spoken crisply to me lately through Leviticus 21:18 (KJV), which says the priest shall not have “any thing superfluous.” God will not tolerate any monstrosity or curiosity in His holy place. Of what use is the extra part, the additional member? A sixth toe or finger may not be dis- eased, but it certainly will obstruct service. Am I guilty of extra baggage or extra weights that I have been commanded to lay aside (Hebrews 12:1–2)? I must distinguish between what is possible and what is expedient. When Jesus sent out the seventy (Matthew 10), He reduced them to a basic expediency: one purse, one cloak, and one pair of sandals. No heavy metals, no lingering, and no nonsense. There was work to be done, and the baggage-laden disciple was simply asking to be swept out of the race.
The trouble is, my expediency is always too large. I have a distorted view of the necessary. God says, “Flee Sodom and Gomorrah,” and I, like Lot’s wife, keep looking back to see if I can drag my possessions with me. The Lord says, “Strip yourself for battle,” and I load myself with every thin- gamajig in the armory because I have to be prepared for every eventuality. Lord, teach me like Mary to cling to the “one thing … needful” (Luke 10:42, KJV). Deliver me from Martha’s extra baggage of worry, anxiety, and fear. Help me to say yes to Your definition of what is basic and no to my con- tinual sin of clutter.
Jesus was the most uncluttered Person in all history. Not one sliver of extra baggage did He carry, even down to His thoughts, feelings, and emotions. His naked body on the cross was a symbol of His perfection in simplicity. Lord, let me learn of Him!
“Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).
Daily with the King 