Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 NASB
In my life I have dealt with many distractions that have gotten me off of the path that God wants me on. Maybe it was a distraction for a short period of time or for an extended period of time. Some of these distractions were pure and not carnal, others not so much. Whether these distractions have been video games, sports, starting businesses, making money etc., the fact remains that they have been used by the enemy to lead me to compromise and to keep me stagnant, neutralized, and not walking in the calling of God. The writer of Hebrews is encouraging us to lay aside those types of things that he calls "encumbrances or weights" that hinder us from running the race with endurance. The Christian life is a race that continues over our lifespan. It is not a 40-yard dash, or even a 200 meter race. The sign of truly following Christ is not that we make big splashes, or go a couple of years walking in obedience. The Christian life is consistency (not perfection) over decades walking with Christ. This is hard for us to grasp in our Facebook and Instagram world we live in. Everyone is trying to "make it big" with one big splash. Even in the church there are those who are just waiting for the big conference or church to call so they can get their name out there. These are all distractions from the enemy to get our eyes off of Jesus and onto ourselves. The Christian life is not about running aimlessly; the writer of Hebrews tells us that we run with our eyes fixated on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. He is our goal, our focus, and our finish line. It is not until we grasp Him face to face that our race has been completed. Paul reminds us of the distractions that will come in that we must not give into. Note, these are not sinful behaviors that Paul is addressing here per se. He is simply pointing out that they are useless and that they produce nothing, except to slow us down. Writing to Timothy Paul says: Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels. 2 Timothy 2:22-23 NASB Writing in Titus 3:9 Paul says: But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless. These things that Paul is pointing out are simply distractions used by the enemy and this world to keep us from advancing the kingdom of God. People today spend hours talking about these very same things that Paul tells us are unprofitable and worthless. They are worthless and unprofitable if you are in a race that requires endurance to complete. Questions to Consider: 1. Do an honest analysis of your life. How much time to you spend talking about the things of this world with your family, friends, coworkers etc., more than talking about Christ? 2. In connection with question 1, do you feel that the time you spend talking about all the issues of the world is causing you to look more like Christ or is pointing people to Christ?
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