What's Weighing Your Down?

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,

² Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

-Hebrews 12:1-2 (King James Version)

Hebrews 12:1-2 are among my favorite verses in the Bible. The writer tells us the key to living the life God has called each of us to live. We are going to spend the next three days breaking down these verses. 

Verse 1 says, "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." The writer tells us to do two things in this verse, and both of which is necessary if we want the life that God expects. First, "let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us." If you and I want to live the life God has called us to, then we must lay aside, take off, get rid of, everything that will weigh us down and cause us to stumble. We'll see later in this verse that the writer is using a racing illustration. A runner will wear the lightest shoes possible. They will wear the lightest clothing possible. Many even shave off their hair, so that they will not be held back by anything that will affect their time. That is what we must do. We must get rid of anything that is going to slow us down in living the life God has called us to. 

What, in your life, is slowing down your walk with Jesus? What weight are you dragging along? Confess it to Jesus, and lay aside whatever is weighing you down. Think About It.