Hebrews 12:1 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.”
They don’t tell us at church that a great cloud of witnesses are watching us. If they did maybe we would think more about the race than we do about lust.
Over the last two weeks, I have been working to set aside a weight in my life so that I would be able to run the race better. Like most of you, I was worried that if I cut some silly pleasure out of my life, I would not be happy.
Finally, I cut it out, and I still did not know exactly what the “race” was for me. I kept thinking and praying about it. Then yesterday it all clicked. I discovered what I was supposed to do. It was not exactly what I thought. But doing it made me happy.
Matthew Henry wrote: “By the sin that does so easily beset us, understand that sin to which we are most prone, or to which we are most exposed, from habit, age, or circumstances. This is a most important exhortation; for while a man’s darling sin, be it what it will, remains unsubdued, it will hinder him from running the Christian race, as it takes from him every motive for running, and gives power to every discouragement. When weary and faint in their minds, let them recollect that the holy Jesus suffered, to save them from eternal misery. By steadfastly looking to Jesus, their thoughts would strengthen holy affections, and keep under their carnal desires. Let us then frequently consider him. What are our little trials to his agonies, or even to our deserts? What are they to the sufferings of many others?”
Today, consider setting an alarm on your phone to remind you to think about the race at least once per hour. Consider praying:
“Father, take away this _________ and show me what the race is all about.”
Watch sermons from pastors who understand that the “race” involves all of us. Become obsessed with laying aside every weight, and sin.
Finally, consider striving to form a habit of thinking about the “race.” A second habit of thinking about praying to Jesus for guidance and help.
I have added this verse to the verses I meditate on. This is the third thing that helps me think in new ways.
Clean thoughts steer us towards a clean life. Think about new things.
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