EDC

Bruce's Beat 6-10-2018

            If you are familiar with survivalists and others that urge you to be prepared for emergencies and disasters you might be familiar with the letters “EDC”. It is an abbreviated way of saying “Every Day Carry,” and it signifies those tools which are deemed necessary equipment in case of the worst happening.

Opinions differ as to what things should be “EDC”: flashlight, pocket knife, fire starter, etc. But those who have these things with them will be ready for life’s emergencies.

            As God’s people, we need to have some “Every Day Carry” items to be ready for spiritual emergencies and worst case scenarios. Do you carry these things with you each day?

            We need to carry Jesus with us every day. Jesus is not a figure to put in a box from Monday through Saturday and then bring Him out on Sunday. Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith – Heb. 12:2.  Knowledge of His suffering and sacrifice; of His love and compassion; of His power and authority needs to be ours 24/7. Carrying Jesus will help us to be assured and ready for everyone we meet.

            We need to carry God’s Word with us every day. The God-breathed word is helpful for teaching, correction, and instruction. It thoroughly equips us for every good work – 2 Tim. 3:16-17. The person who makes their delight in the law of the Lord is the individual who is like the tree planted by the river, whose leaf does not wither, and who brings forth fruit in season – Psalm 1:2-3.

            We need to carry our cross every day. Jesus said that being His disciple included daily cross bearing – Luke 9:23. Every Christian has a cross to carry – of suffering, sorrow, hardship. As we look to Jesus we find the strength to persevere in faith, knowing that the heavenly reward awaits.

            We need to carry all of our worries to God in prayer every day. “Casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you” is the admonition from 1 Pet. 5:7. As we make daily prayer, we turn over our burdens to God and we intercede in behalf of others – Jas. 5:16. Giving our troubles to God every day will make for a brighter, happier journey through life.

            We need to carry a passion for leading others to Christ every day. The Apostle Paul spoke of his indebtedness to preach the gospel to the Greeks and barbarians – Rom. 1:16. He proclaimed the gospel “night and day” with tears – Acts 20:31. The Apostle Peter says we are to be ready to give a defense of our hope with meekness and fear – 1 Pet. 3:15.

            What’s in your everyday carry?