May 25, 2026

Backpacks

Hebrews 12:1 – “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

The school bus pulled away, leaving behind a scattered trail of children heading home. Each carried a backpack, but the differences were striking. Some students walked with light steps, their bags containing only textbooks and supplies needed for homework. Others struggled under the weight of overstuffed packs bulging with toys, snacks, extra clothes, and various treasures that seemed important at the time but served no purpose for their actual destination.

This everyday scene illustrates a spiritual principle many Christians overlook. Just as students can weigh themselves down with unnecessary items, believers often carry burdens that hinder rather than help their journey toward spiritual maturity.

Our spiritual backpacks might contain grudges we refuse to release, worries about situations beyond our control, or guilt from mistakes God has already forgiven. We pack unrealistic expectations, others’ opinions that don’t matter, and dreams that belong to previous seasons of life. Some carry the weight of trying to please everyone, while others lug around comparisons that steal joy and create unnecessary competition.

The writer of Hebrews understood this tendency, urging believers to “throw off everything that hinders.” Notice he doesn’t just mention sin, but anything that slows us down or makes the journey more difficult than necessary.

Jesus modeled this principle, traveling light and focusing only on His Father’s will. He didn’t carry the weight of others’ expectations or the burden of fixing every problem He encountered.

What we’re carrying matters—will it help us reach our destination?

Today’s Prayer: Father, help me examine what I’m carrying in my spiritual backpack. Give me wisdom to travel light and focus on what truly matters for the journey ahead. Amen.

Reflection Question: What unnecessary burden are you currently carrying that might be weighing you down spiritually?