Everything That Hinders

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. - Hebrews 12:1

In this passage Paul is encouraging the Hebrews to throw off everything that is keeping them from running the race set before them by Christ. I find it interesting that Paul makes a distinction between that which hinders and sin. Paul recognizes that it is not just sins that keep us from running the race of faith.

What hinders you in your faith? It might not be sin; maybe it is something that you consider good, a habit, pleasure, work, hobby, event, entertainment, a relationship. Paul is saying that even if there is something that you consider good in your life that is keeping you from living for Christ, then you must toss it aside. Sometimes these can be harder to throw off then sin, but we must be willing to throw off everything if we want to finish the race and finish it well.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for giving me the race to run. Help me to run this race by throwing off everything that hinders me, both the good and the bad. I want to run this race for you and I want to finish well. Amen.

Faith Tip: We often say “no” to things that Christ is calling us to do, because of everything else going on in our life. Today, take an inventory of everything you do and see if there is anything you need to throw off so you can more often say “yes” to Jesus.

Written by Pastor Aaron Anderson