The writer of Hebrews said to “lay aside every encumbrance, and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (12:1).
Think about it, you first learn to run, you quickly find out that you have to run light. You may train in a sweat suit with weights strapped on, but you need to take them off before you get to the starting blocks. The effective runner gets rid of the bulk and runs with the bare minimum.
Similarly, in the race of faith we need to strip off anything that will hold us back. Many things can weigh us down and encumber us in the Christian life: Materialism, sexual immorality, and excessive ambition are just a few that are common in our society. One of the things the writer of Hebrews probably had in mind was legalism. He was writing to a predominantly Jewish audience who struggled with that issue. They were trying to run the race with all their Jewish ceremonies, rituals, and rites. In essence, this writer said, “Get rid of all of that and run the race of faith. Live by faith, not works.”
WORKS
Many Christians still live by works. They believe if they do certain things, God is obliged to keep score and say, “That’s wonderful: You went to a Bible study, had a quiet time in the Word today, did something nice for your neighbor, and went to church.” If those things are done in the overflow of one’s love for Jesus Christ as acts of devotion, that’s great. But there are many Christians who think they are meriting God’s favor that way. Instead of Jewish legalism it’s Christian legalism.
DOUBT
Another weight or sin that “so easily entangles us” is doubt. A believer may affirm with feeling the truth of Philippians 4:19: “God shall supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” but become filled with anxiety when financial trouble comes. Then others will inevitably say, “Aren’t you the one who goes around saying, ‘God shall supply all your needs’ ?” We either believe He will or He won’t, regardless of what we say. Our actions reveal what we really believe. When we worry, we are doubting that God can keep His promises, and that dishonors Him.
