“Small carry-on suitcase only! We’re not checking any bags!” This is what I heard the first time I traveled to Mexico on a mission trip. How was I going to make that work for an entire week, not knowing exactly what we would be doing or how much I would need? With a desire to be well-equipped to serve, I had this idea in my head that I needed to bring lots of things to be most effective. As well, I knew there wouldn’t be a convenience store nearby to purchase supplies or things that I may have forgotten. That only added pressure to cram everything I could into my small bag. Once there, though, my eyes were quickly opened to a reality…I truly didn’t need many things at all to be happy, comfortable, or effective in my purpose.

Have you ever experienced that? Perhaps not necessarily with a suitcase, but with life in general? Do you sense a “need” for something that is actually more of a “want”? Don’t get me wrong, that “want” may have value in that it brings more comfort, security, confidence, or practicality…but it may also be something you could truly do without. It’s so easy for us to search for things to fill voids that can only met by what we truly need. For certain, we all want to feel comfortable, fully prepared, and self-assured. Our human nature craves those things! God created us for so much more than things can offer, and no amount of things we accumulate will ever satisfy our actual need and the real longing of our heart and soul.

So, what do we really need to thrive?

Aside from the obvious food, clothing, and shelter needed for survival, we were created for one thing: relationship.

With Jesus

Colossians 1:16 tells us “all things have been created through Him and for Him” and Revelation 4:11 goes on to say, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power…” In essence, we were made for His pleasure, and quite amazingly, His pleasure is found in communing with us. Despite all the things you think you “should” do for God, He doesn’t need us. He can do any and all things, and He doesn’t measure our value by what we do. He does, however, love us for who we are (despite our sin), and as with any relationship rooted in love, it only flourishes with time shared together. Just as great parents desire with their children, God is blessed by our investment in deep, honest conversation and trust in Him.

I grew up in a religion that was laden with guilt, to-dos, and traditions. Although service and traditions can help us to model God’s love and to remember all He has done for us, it has little value unless we understand the goal is ultimately to come to Him and experience the joy of His fellowship in our lives. Religion can sometimes trip us up rather than draw us in, and make no mistake, God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins for the purpose that we (as imperfect people) can commune with Him (and His pure perfection).

A relationship with Jesus is the most important relationship a person can have! It results in new life (Ephesians 2:4–5); forgiveness (Colossians 1:14); the indwelling of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16–17); and, in the future, bodily resurrection and a home in heaven (John 14:19; Philippians 3:20–21). As well, He encourages us with His steady presence, remaining with us (John 15:4), carrying our burdens (Matthew 11:28), and even calling us “friends” (John 15:15) and “co-heirs” (Romans 8:17) of His inheritance.

How can we have or strengthen a relationship with Jesus? We first need to know who He is and understand His character to even attempt to grasp the depth of His love for us. We do that by reading the Bible, scriptures that were inspired by Him for this purpose. He led the authors to document what they did so that we could learn, study, and be comforted by the One who reigns over all. The more clarity we have about God’s consistent goodness and pursuit of us, the easier it becomes to fall into His lap and allow Him to envelop us with peace. It’s there that we can continue pursuing deeper relationship by talking to Him honestly — sharing the good, bad, and the ugly, because, frankly, He already knows it. If we listen in the stillness, we can hear Him respond, too. The communication becomes easier with practice, and although most of us never hear an audible voice, it’s common to hear Him through scripture or faith-filled friends that, by His grace, speak guidance into what it is we’re seeking. And, as communication builds, so does trust, faith, and hope.

With Others

From the very beginning, God stated that it was not good for man to be alone. Again, He created us for relationship, and His highest calling for us is to love Him and love others (Matthew 22:37-39). Not only can loving others bring them into a saving relationship with Jesus, but it’s also necessary for our well-being. Isolation puts us in the enemy’s field, where he strategically plants and waters seeds of doubt, temptation, and deception that can grow like weeds and ensnare us. The devil’s lies can be surprisingly easy to believe; he is clever and determined to make us question God. Just like Eve, who *thought* she was going to benefit from eating the apple, we can be tricked into following plans that aren’t blessed by God.

One of the Bible’s best stories of deep relational bonds is found in the book of Ruth. There, we learn that Ruth was the daughter-in-law of Naomi, and both had become widows. Naomi wanted to return to her homeland, and although Ruth was not also from Judah, she wanted to remain by Naomi’s side rather than return to her former life. They loved each other well; Ruth’s loyalty and willingness to give up everything she knew for Naomi, and Naomi’s wisdom and guidance that ultimately led to Ruth’s marriage and inclusion in the lineage of Jesus. Their bond was truthful and vulnerable. They trusted and sacrificed for one another. And, most importantly, the story offers a glimpse of what our souls crave in relationships — to be fully known and deeply loved at the same time…exactly how God loves us. Scripture encourages us not to miss these opportunities for fellowship (defined as partnership with mutual benefit) as it sharpens our faith and spurs us on to love and good works. This unity is pleasing to God.

As I reflect on relationships with God and others, I’m reminded of those whom I love to visit and meet on the mission field. They have very little material means, nor are they looking with envy at those who do. Instead, I find myself drawn to what they have: deep, personal relationships with Christ and their co-laborers. They rely on faith and each other. Their lives are simpler, so they notice Him moving, and they radiate the joy that results from this lifestyle.

Are we all called to be missionaries? No. We are each gifted in different ways to serve the Kingdom (Romans 12:6-8). We are, however, all called to relationship — with God and each other. Why? Because He clearly tells us so. He created us and loves us enough to explain what we need for fulfillment. We ought to listen and stop stuffing our suitcases (of life) with the things that distract us. We need Jesus and each other more than anything.

Will you pray with me? 

Father, God, how grateful we are that You don’t leave us wondering. Your Word so clearly offers the solution to a life marked by joy. You created us for Your enjoyment and for relationship with You and others. This isn’t just a half-hearted suggestion; it’s a need that far exceeds other things we may think we need. Help us pare down our suitcases, Lord. The weight of the distractions is heavy. Help us find freedom in You and Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.