While I was packing, I was debating until I was out the door if I wanted to bring my Airpod pros or leave them. For a multitude of reasons, but the biggest was charging another thing when power was a limited resource or getting them wet/stolen/lost. They are pretty expensive, and I deliberated a lot before I even purchased them while working at the dairy. I ended up selling them. The first thought on the first plane was “ah man I messed up, I could really use those noise cancelling headphones.” However, I sucked it up because I’m sacrificing my first world comforts for a year of radical Jesus experience. Totally fine!!

First day of launch we were in a hotel all together and I noticed one of my teammates put her Airpod pros back in her backpack. Another was using Airpods while we were at camp. Every time I would be reminded that I do not have mine. I do not have. During training camp, one of the speakers talked about how we live in a culture of lack. Consumerism subtly often reminds us of what we don’t need but can’t live without. It is also a message that if we have then covet, hide, get locks, buy more storage, buy more things, protect it all.

For the race I want to read the whole New Testament and started in Matthew. Matthew chapter 10 is about Jesus sending out the 12 disciples for the first time with faith and “authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness,” (v1). Jesus instructs these 12 men on what to say and who to say it to. Then He tells them “Freely you have received; freely give,” (v8). The very next line Jesus instructs them to not bring anything besides the clothes on their bodies and the shoes on their feet. They were to go town by town and rely on people they have never met for their immediate shelter, food, water, and any other necessities. The culture of lack mindset would argue that these men indeed have not received and have nothing to give. For Jesus this is not a contradictory message for what we receive is freedom in the kingdom of heaven from enslavement of ephemeral enjoyment that this life has to offer.

Even after reading this many mornings ago for my devotion and the revelation it was for my heart, I still find my mind set to the things I don’t have. I still miss my Airpod pros. However, I did bring a small Bluetooth speaker. Both devices project and amplify sound. However, one is for my individual enjoyment and the other is a powerful communal worship tool. These past few years my life was spent by myself for myself. In contrast this next one will be spent with others for others and most importantly for Jesus.

 “Freely you have received; freely give,” (v8)

It is time to focus on the Kingly things I have received, those are much more fun to give. Rather than the earthly things I covet in a heart of scarcity. These thoughts and phantom needs are only encouraged as we look out into our culture and media. We need to be skinnier, smarter, possess more expensive things, make better memories, work more, vacation more, know God the best, and read the most books… The list of “needs” for both our grander culture and even within the church can go on and on. They all are just that, phantom needs for we already have received what we need and have the ability to give out of our abundance of love, joy, peace, and mercy. If this is a hard message to hear I would implore for you the reader to ask God what you already have. What is your natural gift besides our inheritance in heaven and the authority to “heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons,” (v8)? Did you know that if you have asked for forgiveness and live your life walking with Jesus that you have authority to do those things? Do you know that you have eternity to look forward to on top of all the amazing and beautiful things we see and have in this time? Besides ALL THAT, what are your natural gifts? Are you hospitable, generous, kind, joyful, positive, strong, adventurous, creative? How many of us know we have these natural tendencies, yet do not practice and master them because we are so focused on what we do not have? This culture of lack is a thief of contented joy, and I hope this helps someone receive their gifts so that they can better understand the gift of giving. For me right now, I am content in cold showers and a sleeping pad on a tile floor. Because in the morning I wake up to our new friend Judi making desayuno (breakfast) and an amazing team desperate to know Jesus more.