I was reading during the week from Hebrews. There's a verse that is often quoted in regards to getting rid of sin in our life: "So throw off the weight and sin that so easily entangles and run with determination the race set before us".
This version of the verse caught my attention. Reason being, it's not only sin that can entangle us, but many good things that could be separate from sin - yet are still weights. While I haven't gone back to the original text to test the veracity of this translation yet, it still bears thinking about... Are there even good things in our lives that are getting in the way of the best things?
Are their things that we carry around with us (thoughts, emotions, hang ups) that get in the way of the best things that God has in store for us?
Are we overworked with things that don't matter, and therefore get in the way?
As a church, do we have a lot of good ministries that are running but are not achieving our mission? Do these services and activities shine God's light so that others join us as disciples of Jesus Christ? Maybe our church has some weights that are preventing us from running with determination the best race that God has laid before us? Maybe the good things are getting in the way of best things - having new disciples on the journey with us.
"Throwing off the weights" can be a very difficult thing to do in life, and for some people impossible. Yet, with God's guidance and patience anything is possible. One thing I have learned in life is that undertaking and getting involved in "works ministries" is both tiring and creates a weight on my shoulders. What do I mean by "works ministries" - expending serious amounts of physical and mental energies trying to do good 'work' to make myself seem better in God's eyes, and in the eyes of people around me. I've learned to let go and let God work through me, and not the other way around!! Sometimes church communities could try less hard at the 'doing' and try more of the 'waiting'!!
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