Part two
‘Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us…’
So if we’ve laid aside those weights that will show us down, what comes next? We’re to also lay aside the sin which easily besets us.
What exactly does this mean?
The English dictionary says that beset means ‘having a lot of trouble with something, or having to deal with a lot of something that causes problems.’
The meaning of the original Greek is similar but gives us even more of an idea of the meaning of this verse. It means ‘to be skilfully surrounded, standing around a competitor, thwarting a racer in every direction.’
Isn’t that just like the temptation to sin in our lives? It always seems to be causing problems. The enemy is skilful at surrounding us with temptation to sin and things to distract us in our race. He’s constantly trying to thwart us as we seek to follow Jesus.
When I used to run in races at school, one of the pieces of advice I was given was to never look behind or to the side to see where the other competitors were because it would slow me down but rather to keep my eyes fixed on the finish line.
In the same way the enemy of our souls wants to distract us and slow us down.
What sin is there in our lives that distracts our trips us up, keeping us from the purposes of God in our lives?
It may not be glaringly obvious to others. It may be something subtle such as inward pride or a tendency to doubt God. It may be a judgemental attitude or a covetous heart.
Ask God to open your eyes to any hidden sins in your life. Yes it may be painful but He is faithful both to show us and help us to fight against it.
So let’s be seeking grace to overcome those sins and distractions that prevent us from running well and keep our focus fixed on the finish line. Always anticipating the glory of that wonderful day when we will reach the end of our race and get to be forever with our Lord and Saviour.
‘Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.’
With love
.
Heb 12:1, 10:35-36
For more devotional style posts click here