Tangled Up In Sin

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 (King James Version)

Yesterday, we looked at a part of this verse. We looked at "let us lay aside every weight," We discussed how the writer of Hebrews uses a running illustration. We talked about how we must lay aside everything that weighs us down, so that we can fully live for God.

Today, I want us to focus on "and the sin which doth so easily beset us." Sin trips us up. Sin causes us to stumble and fall. Sin causes separation between us and God, not because God stops loving us, but because we stop loving God. Did you ever think about that? How do you think God felt when Adam and Eve sinned? How do you think God felt when Peter denied even knowing Him? How do you think God felt when David committed adultery with Bathsheba, and then tried to cover up that sin by having her husband killed in battle? How do you think God feels when you fall into sin? Sin is ever present in our world, so we must be careful not to allow us to fall into sin. If we truly lay aside everything that weighs us down, everything that hinders our walk with God, it will make it harder for sin to cause us to stumble.

If we are going to run the race at our best, then we must lay aside everything that weighs us down, and we must lay aside the sin that causes us to stumble. Leave them behind, and continue living for Jesus. What sin must you lay aside today? Think About It.

Roadside Distractions

Your commandments give me understanding;
    no wonder I hate every false way of life.

-Psalm 119:104 (New Living Translation)

Ever wonder why it's so important to study the Bible? Through a study of the Bible, you'll gain understanding in the way you should (and should not) live your life. That's the idea behind this verse of Psalm 119. 

The Psalmist writes, "Your commandments give me understanding; no wonder I hate every false way of life." Through your study of the Bible, you'll learn the way God expects you to live, the path He expects you to follow. When you realize that path and way of life, you'll stop at nothing to stay in the way and path of life. You'll see the side roads and other roadside distractions for what they truly are-distractions to get you away from God, away from the way and path of life. That is why the Psalmist says, "no wonder I hate every false way of life." 

When a roadside distraction entices you, do you fall victim, or do you keep going in the way and path of life? Think About It.