“What’s in your backpack?”

Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) was a corporate “downsizer” who went from firm to firm and prepared those who were being laid off from their jobs for unemployed life (movie: Up in the Air). He began each session with a motivational speech using an analogy. He placed a backpack before them on a table and asked them, “What’s in your backpack?” His point was that they often overloaded their lives with things, relationships, people, and jobs that the backpacks became too heavy to carry. With that speech, he prepared them for a life of emptiness – no job, income, friends, or routine.

As missionaries, we have lived in four countries (India, Philippines, Hong Kong, and Singapore), seven cities, and thirty-one different residences (in Singapore alone, this is our sixth house in seven years!). We are familiar with living off suitcases. Clooney’s movie resonated with me and challenged me to live even simpler, imitating the Lord Jesus’s words to his disciples.

“Calling his twelve disciples, he gave them power and authority over all demons and to heal every illness. Then, he sent them to proclaim God’s rule and to heal. He said to them: ‘Take nothing for your travel, not a staff, bag, bread, coins, or change of clothes. When you enter a welcoming home, stay with them until you leave. When someone doesn’t receive you, leave that city and shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.’ As he instructed, they went from village to village proclaiming the good news and healing everyone.” (Luke 9:1–6)

The disciples were highly empowered – to heal diseases and chase away all demons. But they weren’t to be distracted by wealth, possessions, or even necessities. If someone were to show them hospitality, they were to enjoy it. If not, they were to keep on moving from village to village. They weren’t to lose sight of their purpose – to heal people and proclaim God’s rule.

I am reminded of Elisha and Naaman’s story from the Old Testament (2 Kings 5). Naaman was the commander, right-hand man, of the king of Aram (modern-day Syria). The king greatly respected him. When he contracted leprosy, and his wife’s maid told him about a powerful prophet in Israel, the king sent him off to see the prophet. He came with ten talents of silver, six thousand pieces of gold, and ten sets of clothing as payment for Elijah’s miracle. Scholars estimate the value to be over six million US dollars. Elijah healed Naaman but wanted none of his wealth, not even a penny!

People say, “With great power comes great responsibility.” But the Lord Jesus taught that with great power came simplicity of life and total dependence on others and God for one’s livelihood. If someone were to open the disciples’ backpack, they wouldn’t find money, bread, or a change of clothes. In fact, they wouldn’t find a bag with the disciples or a staff in their hands. They wandered as vagabonds from village to village, living off what people gave them. Regardless, they freely gave away healing and chased away demons. They gave and gave unselfishly and generously, irrespective of what they received.

That must be the motto of our ministries and lives – we give and give lavishly and generously, without expecting a penny in return. God and his people will take care of our needs.