Defeating the ‘sin that so easily entangles’
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus. (Heb 12:1-2)
There is a beautiful joyful end to this life journey. It is not even an end, it is an epoch – an infinitely longer era than this, free of struggles of pain and suffering, free of sin and temptation, free of conmen and snatchers, free of land-grabbers and corruption, free of plagues and wars, full of gladness and rejoicing, full of life indeed. This is the promise of God to those who hold onto faith in the Saviour Jesus Christ: they will not perish; they will have eternal life. On the other hand, however, there is also eternal suffering in the lake of fire for the Enemy Satan and his allies. Today’s reflection speaks hope and encouragement to those travelling the journey to life. Much as there are hindrances and distractions, it is possible to win. Two actions have been prescribed in today’s Scripture: ‘throw off’ and ‘run with perseverance’.
Some things are difficult to throw off; some things you throw off today and tomorrow they cling back and entangle. This throwing off, stripping off, throwing aside demands active effort and determination. What must we throw off? There are things that feel good, we want them but they are an unnecessary weight and make the journey of salvation difficult. There are things that have short term gains and terrible long term effects. Carry out an honest evaluation of your life and identify these things: is it time-wasting jesting or flirting with friends, or giving excuses and being inconsistent at work or in ministry? Taking the time to look within will reveal many things that deserve to be thrown off. In this effort, consider personal discipline and spiritual intervention.
The other area of probing is the ‘sin that so easily entangles’, which must be defeated, if you are to journey successfully to your God-ordained destiny. Defeating this begins, first, with true repentance and turning away from sin; hating the sin and getting determined to turn away completely. Secondly, there is need for prayer and fasting for strength to continue in the ‘abstinence’ – the continual shunning of that sin. Because it ‘so easily entangles’, this additional effort is necessary. Thirdy, it is necessary to make a confession before the Pastor or appropriate spiritual leader and solicit prayer support; this creates an accountability connection as well as attracting breakthrough healing power. And with this freedom, you are able to ‘run with perseverance’ the race of faith, looking to Jesus and assured of victory.
You are God’s servant while here on earth, but God has an eternal beautiful joyful destiny for you. Some have triumped and entered that glory, and they form a great cloud of witnesses. May God give you the grace to throw off… and run with perseverance to that great fellowship. God bless you all.