Lost Luggage Lessons

We stood wearily after another long day of travel watching the luggage carrousel end­lessly circling bearing the same pieces of luggage none of which belonged to us. As the last of the passengers departed it became evident this time our main suitcase was lost. As you can guess this was not a first time occurrence, this was deja vu, reminding us of one of our short flights from Atlanta to Daytona Beach when our luggage inadvertently went to San Francisco instead. Every kind of scenario came flooding over me. Was this lost piece still sitting somewhere in the last airport we traversed through, or was it the previous terminal where they unloaded and reloaded cart loads and mountains of boxes, suitcases, golf clubs, baby car seats, etc. Worst yet, was it somewhere in the air to destinations unknown never to be seen again?

I thought of the various irreplace­able essentials and outfits that I had so carefully packed. I remembered the special shoes and matching purse that went with a particular suit. I also remembered how I had found these items at different times and different places. Almost all of which had one thing in common—they were on sale—not just a few dollars off but most at least 50 percent or more. It would be quite impossible to duplicate these items. I can tell you that at that moment I would not qualify as a satisfied customer of ASA airlines.

It was then that it hit me loud and clear. Could it be that I was more concerned about my earthly belongings than I was about the garments that Christ tells me are necessary for my salvation. I had to ask myself, was I more upset over losing matching shoes and purse than about the garments that Jesus has promised would protect me against the wiles of the devil. You see, my Jesus has instructed and warned me that in the day by day battles of life on this crumbling planet I need to be clothed in His Spirit. In Ephesians 6:10-18 there is a wonderful list of what I need to be dressed for success, not only on this earth, but for eternity.

We read, Finally, be strong in the Lord and stand in the power of His might. Put on every piece of spiritual armor. The Lord has given you all the weaponry you need to stand against the crafty enemy. We're not dealing with an enemy we can see or get our hands on, but with spiritual beings who were once near the center of power and are now trying to rule this world. The power of these super­natural beings and the force they generate are not to be taken lightly. That's why you must put on the entire spiritual armor God has given you and stand firm, not giving an inch of ground. Then when it's over, you'll still be standing. This is the time to stand. Tighten the belt of truth securely around yourself Cover your chest with the breastplate of Christ's invincible righteousness. Put on the shoes of the good news of Christ's peace. Take up the shield of faith, trusting in the Lord to stop the flaming arrows which Satan sends your way. Then put on the helmet of salvation and take the sword of the Spirit, which is given you in the Word of God. Finally, pray constantly, as if your life depended on it. Keep alert to the needs of your brothers and sisters and pray for them too (The Clear Word, by Jack Blanco).