What do you need to drop?

Can you imagine going for a strenuous hike in the mountains and trying to carry your tv remote, you favorite book, a lamp, a barstool and a rake…or two? Even picturing it might bring a smile to your face.

Well, the Hebrew writer says we have a race to run (as we follow Jesus) and we better get rid of all the extra baggage. Yes, sometimes the extra weight is the sin we keep playing with…and those things may be more obvious. But, he also says to get rid of the stuff that hinders us, weighs us down. It good be good stuff, but it’s just not necessary.

What comes to mind in your life when you think about the extra baggage? It could be the things that consume our mind as we worry too much. It could be the financial dreams or stress that keep us from focusing on Jesus. It could be…………… ???

Read these verses again. Then determine what stuff you need to let go of in order to run this race with perseverance and fix your eyes fully on Jesus.

“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, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV)