«Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us.» Hebrews 12:1
In our reading today, the Bible admonishes us to lay aside every weight, and the sin which easily overcomes us. Many times those weights are simple distractions that create enormous drag while we run the race Jesus has called us to run.
One preacher illustrated it this way: “It’s perfectly legal to run a race in army boots.” In other words, it would be legal to do so, but it would not be wise. Many of the things that prevent spiritual growth and development are legal, but they don’t lead to success.
The Greek word for weight was sometimes used by Greek writers to denote the excessive and body weight which the athlete sought to reduce by means of training; but may also signify the encumbrance of any burden, or unnecessary clothing, amongst others.
Precious one, Jesus has called you to run a race. It’s long-distance and multi-terrain. If you want to run with patience the race that is set before you, you must lay aside every weight.
Here are some weights you must lay aside:
#1. Dishonesty
Some Christians find it extremely difficult to be honest in what they say and do. They fall into temptations to do petty frauds in almost everything. They are not sincere and honest with themselves. The Bible says in
Micah 6:11 that, «Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights?»
We cannot run a Christian race successfully without entirely laying aside dishonesty. Beloved, we cannot run a Christian race successfully without entirely laying aside dishonesty.
#2. Over eating
When a person engages in overeating, which is inconsistent with the laws of life and health, he or she is guilty of intemperance. Intemperance or over eating is a weight we must set aside. King Solomon wrote in
Proverbs 25:16 (ESV) that, «If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill of it and vomit it.»
#3. Tale bearing
God has said, in
Leviticus 19:16 that, «Thou shalt not go up and down as a talebearer among thy people.»
There are some Christians who are in a hurry to tell every secret which they may chance on. They are literally in agony till they tell someone about it. They are literally tale-bearers. They don’t carry the gospel about, but the unwritten gossip of their neighbours.
Precious one, do you want to finish the race with a broad smile reigning on your face? Then, lay aside every weight that easily besets you.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, as I lay aside these weights that beset me, strengthen me never to go back, but rather to move forward, in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Topics : Charles Agyinasare, Charles Agyinasare, Dishonesty, Over Eating, Gossip, Secret,
