Did Jesus really mean this—to bring nothing extra when we travel for mission work? Do those instructions still apply to us today? When I travel for mission work, I usually pack to the limit (sometimes more).

Roger Greenway, a missionary to Sri Lanka many years ago, recounted how his family had tried to ship their belongings from the United States in 18 barrels and two big crates—but the shipment was delayed by four months. In the meantime, they landed in Sri Lanka and learned that they could get along quite well without most of that stuff. Their dependence on local resources also helped them develop friendships with local people.

When their baggage finally arrived, they were suddenly viewed by their neighbors as very wealthy people whose standard of living was much higher than the locals’. All that stuff actually created barriers between them and the people they had come to serve. Greenway later advised missionaries to be careful about what kind of message their belongings would send to others.

Considering this, it’s not surprising that for many centuries Christian missionaries made a vow of poverty. But this lesson applies to us all—what does our stuff and our lifestyle tell others about our priorities? Are we seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)?