...traveling light helped me to be a light for Jesus, to dismantle a few false views of Americans, and to learn to trust God with less.
When I went on my first mission trip, I packed next to nothing. I had a kid’s suitcase and a backpack. My mission professor made it clear during our mission classes that other countries viewed America as excessive, believing Americans owned too many things, had too much money, spent too much, and were just too much. Since my mission professor drilled this truth into me, I packed light. I didn’t want my outward appearance not to reflect my heart for Jesus.
Another girl who came on the mission trip had a huge suitcase that had to go through airport security, but due to just having a carry-on and a backpack, I didn’t have to be separated from my items, which made me feel safer. Sadly, I lost my passport at one point and convinced myself I was not going to be allowed into the country, but, thankfully, I found it right where I left it—in my pocket. Nonetheless, traveling light helped me to be a light for Jesus, to dismantle a few false views of Americans, and to learn to trust God with less.
Traveling doesn’t have to be self-indulgent to renew our hearts and bodies. Travel can be a time to learn more about God, grow in our relationship with Him, and truly discover the path God has for us. If you are traveling sometime soon, make sure you pack light because God will help you leave with a full heart.
Dismantling False Views
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21
I kid you not, as soon as I landed at Heathrow airport, my temporary mission family made the remark, “Is that all you got?” I informed them that that was, indeed, all I had, and we were ready to go. My mission family was surprised and made the statement that most of their interns before had multiple suitcases and an endless amount of things to bring. At that moment, I knew my mission professor was right. America was viewed as having too much because individual Americans are consistently showing themselves to be excessive during their travels.
As we left the airport, I talked with my missionary family about school, theology, and life. We were able to get to know each other better during this time, and it helped me to start easing into this new change for the summer. To be honest, I never really thought that much of not packing an excessive amount because I knew I didn’t need it. As someone who grew up in a struggling financial situation, my mom and dad helped my siblings and me learn what it meant to make more out of less.
I am thankful as well that my actions helped show this missionary family that not all Americans are excessive. In fact, for many of the clothes I had in my suitcase, I gave them away to others while I was there. When I returned to America, I actually had less than when I originally left. While materially, I had less, spiritually, I had much more. The blessings and things I saw on the mission field helped me grow spiritually and enriched my walk with the Lord.
There was a time when I struggled immensely on my mission trip, yet the Lord helped me to return to Him, and this brought peace to my heart. I believe I struggled at first because it was a lot to take in, and it was my first time away from home. I know for a fact that this mission internship changed my life, and I hope my staying in England also helped the local community. By packing light, I was storing up treasures for myself in heaven rather than material possessions in this present world.
Being a Light for Jesus
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
As Jesus says in this passage, we need to be lights to the world. When we are traveling, we need to ensure we are shining the light of Jesus. Rather than being rude, bossy, or entitled, we need to follow the Lord. This means we will be kind, caring, and cordial to others. Depending on the reason for traveling, we might struggle with practicing these qualities because we could be on vacation or taking a break from life.
Even if we are on vacation, we are still called to be a light for Jesus. People should be able to look at us and know we belong to the Lord. If we are being rude and mean to others, how will anyone see Jesus in us? Regardless of why we are traveling or where we are traveling, we need to make sure we are shining bright for Jesus. It will help us bring His Name glory as well as help others become more interested in Jesus.
Being a light for Jesus won’t happen if we hide ourselves either. If we are always stuck in a hotel room or trying to isolate ourselves, we won’t be able to shine brightly for Jesus. While I understand traveling is not solely for mission work, it is an opportunity where we can shine for Jesus. Even if you are just traveling for vacation and fun, it is important that you display Jesus in your life.
Shining your light for Jesus also looks like trusting God with the supplies you already have and believing they will last. I only had five shirts, two of which I gave away, four pairs of trousers, a raincoat, two jackets, a pair of shoes, and my Bible, and I did just fine. Trust God with what you have and know that He will provide. He will grant you endless knowledge if you trust Him with the outcome.
Trusting God with Less
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting God with less will come when we pack light. We will find that we actually already have everything we could ever need or want in Jesus. In the Lord, we are complete and we are not lacking anything (Colossians 2:9-10). We will need clothes and daily provisions, but we don’t need an excessive amount. Pack some clothing, jackets, and your Bible, and there is not really more than this that you will need.
I do endorse bringing a phone as it is good to have in emergencies, but you don’t need your laptop or other devices. Keep your phone on you; however, if you are on a mission trip or a family vacation, don’t spend endless hours scrolling on social media. Pack light and allow the Lord to teach you a few lifelong lessons. While I was on my mission trip, I did this ,and it changed my life in many ways. I didn’t pack devices; rather, I lived on that small suitcase and my backpack.
The other girl on my mission trip packed a huge number of books that she wanted to read while in England because they were by British authors. While I was out exploring and soaking in the culture, she locked herself away in her room and read. I understand that everyone does things differently, but I can’t help but think she was missing the wonderful mission opportunities around her. The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:35-38).
Instead of packing items you don’t need, trust God with less. If I packed tons of books or my computer, I would have probably never left my room either. I chose to trust God with less, and I saw so many more things than I would if I stayed locked up with all my material possessions. I got to see the different cultures of England, their festivals, and their daily life. Regardless of why you are traveling, trust God with less and allow Him to teach you wonderful things.
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