Therefore,
since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also
lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely and let us
run with endurance the race that is set before us. Hebrews 12:1
My
chosen class in track was the 100 yard dash. Those who ran in any
track class always tried to be as 'light as possible.' When we
dressed out for any practice or meet, the first order in the locker
room was to remove anything that would add weight. To run any race
with weight would have been unthinkable and a sure bet for being last
across the finish line.
Sin
can weigh heavily upon us in so many ways. The Bible tells us it's
wages is death (Romans 6:23). We often try to justify reasons to
carry that weight as we push off the chocks and attempt to head down
the track. It can wear us down to a slow walk toward the finish line.
The
race can only be run by renouncing our sin and looking to Jesus, the
founder and perfecter of our faith. That means seeking help for our
addictions, tempers, or ending any illicit relational involvement,
physical or emotional, outside of the one one we committed to. To
repent means to turn away from the sins that cling and so easily
hinders us.
The
Lord Jesus Christ makes the offer to take His 'yoke,' or burden, onto
ourselves for it is lighter than our sins. He says in doing so to
learn from Him for in His humility and humble heart we will find rest
for our souls. He says, “For my yoke is easy and my burden is
light,” (Matthew 11:29).
We're
all in it for the long-haul, whether in Christ, or not. We can run
with what we've chosen to weigh ourselves down with or make the
choice to trade in the weight of sin that so easily besets us for a
burden that is lighter than light. If we want to be quick off the
chocks, running with endurance, then dropping our weights and taking
on His light yoke is the sure benchmark to victory.
Ken
