“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” Hebrews 12:1-2 NLT
Have you ever tried running with additional weights? Well, you probably have if you have been away from fitness, gained weight and got back into running. You puff and pant lumping along the extra weight wishing you had never stopped, and part wishing you didn’t have to go back to running in an effort to lose it. Am I right?
The extra weight is caused by overeating or should I say it? Gluttony! I have a friend in Nepal who is attending a traditional wedding there. It has gone on for several days and is now sick because of the food and beverages given are too rich and strong for his Australian stomach. Eating and drinking just for the sake of it can be rsther sickening.
Back to the spirit. The extra weight is sin, sin that easily besets us, be that gossip or criticism or whatever we readily submit to. It could be gluttony, making sure you have a piece of every pie, or alcoholism, a tendency to need a few drinks every night. Sin that entraps us in a prison where we have to stay unless delivered by the hand of God.
Our way of escape is fixing our eyes on Jesus. He was tempted in every way but did not sin. Amen!
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