We weren’t created to go on guilt trips. But we learned to send ourselves and each other on these unpleasant excursions because sin entered the world.

First, let’s look at desirable trips. 

Maybe a planned or spontaneous travel schedule. Perhaps our favorite vacation spots. Possibly, places familiar or unknown. Or, traveling abroad. And a voyage by sea. 

Also, guided tours, historical landmarks, the mountains, a natural wonder, the beach, tropical climates, and soaring altitudes.

Still further, there are resorts for sight seekers, adventure junkies, and tourists of all shapes and sizes. Crossing out a bucket list item—going somewhere we’ve never visited. 

Even people are labeled trips.

Whatever the mode of transportation. Whether a one-way-trip or round-trip. Short or extended stay. It’s movement toward a point of destination. A journey for recreation, relaxation, and getaways—a means to escape.

Learned Guilt Trips

Sometimes we go on trips and land somewhere we’d rather not visit. The worst trips ever.

Guilt trips qualify. Guilt trips make us painfully aware of being stuck in an unwanted place. So we feel it deep inside. A restless, unsettled state of wishing we were home—back to familiar surroundings. A safe place.

Maybe, like me, you learned to navigate your way to a guilt trip often. A well-acquainted road clearly marked. A recent destination on our GPS-Global Positioning System. 

Guilt tracks the route to position us in the same place each time—shame, disgrace, dishonor, and self-condemnation.

Acting as travel agents, we make arrangements for others to go on guilt trips and allow others to take us there. Because family, friends, co-workers, and more, fall in the “others” category. 

Tripping we pray doesn’t turn into a long pilgrimage to pay homage to the person causing the trip. And stowaways, manipulation and control, come along for the ride.

We even send ourselves off to this undesired port of call as if part of an itinerary. Bidding a farewell less than celebratory. 

Throughout our lives, attempts will be made to book us on a guilt trip. But it’s a trip we don’t have to take.

A “do not” Checklist for Guilt Trips

• Do not accept the invitation.
• And do not schedule it on your calendar.
• Absolutely do not secure a passport.
• Remember, do not confirm reservations.
• Finally, do not pack your bags.

And…it is absolutely vital you discard any carry-on luggage. Stow nothing in guilt’s passenger compartment. Guilt always meets customer service standards, “Your baggage fits perfectly here for safe keeping and easy retrieval when you arrive at your destination.”

Learned Trips in Christ

For years—on a regular basis—I checked into The Guilt & Shame Inn. Although you may see me there on occasion, I’m no longer a frequent guest. 

Today you will find me as a guest in Freedom’s Motel. God is the owner. He alone books and confirms reservations. God cancels reservations on present and future guilt trips.

Through Christ, we have our HPS-Heavenly Positioning System. A navigation system set in motion simply by answering His call, “Follow Me.” Here we are positioned for forgiveness, blessing, honor, and grace. A place of spiritual cleansing and freedom.

So let’s take a pilgrimage to the promised land. An all-inclusive spiritual resort with pre-paid accommodations lasting forever. There’s an eternal feast at God’s banquet table. Bask in The Son and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There are no farewells and we will give worshipful homage to the only sacred, deserving One. God.

Learned Freedom

“I will cleanse them from all the guilt of their sin against me, and I will forgive all the guilt of their sin and rebellion against me” (Jeremiah 33:8 ESV). 

“…offering Himself accomplished our cleansing of sins and riddance of guilt, He sat down at the right hand of the divine Majesty on high” (Hebrews 1:3b AMP).

We learn to love and forgive ourselves and others as Jesus forgives and loves us all. No more guilt trips and true freedom in Christ!

Featured image taken while filiming for our YouTube channel, Friday’s Forever.

Also see, Valley Promises.

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