Have you ever tried weight-lifting before? I did when I was a child seeking to get some muscles in my body. But the dumbbells were too heavy for me, so I stopped. Although I still exercise, I don’t really go to the gym anymore. But while I was studying the Bible to write this article, my childhood experience brought a clearer view of the scripture I learned, which is Hebrews 12:1, especially at the part that says, “… let us lay aside every weight …”. Let’s read it first.
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” – Hebrews 12:1 (NKJV)
You are surrounded
Maybe you didn’t get it from the scripture, but let me repeat it. As a believer in Christ, you are surrounded. But by which kind of people? A great cloud of witnesses, says the Word. These witnesses range from the Holy Spirit (see Romans 8:9) and angels (see Hebrews 12:22). They are around you always in the Spirit, but you don’t see them unless the Lord opens your eyes. That means you are never alone, no matter where you are, on the face of this Earth. And so because of that, it’s both advantageous and disciplinary (for some believers) for you to run your race of faith with patience in the Lord. You may ask, why do I say this?
- It’s advantageous because you’ve got good company to help you in your faith journey.
- It’s disciplinary because you can’t hide from your witnesses, even if you are alone. That is what brings us to the second area of this scripture.
The sin that easily ensnare us
In the same Hebrews 12:1, God’s Word says that part of the things we must put aside as children of God is the sin that easily ensnares us. Do you know the meaning of “ensnare?” It means to entrap. So, that means in each one of our lives, there are potential evils that can trap us. That is what I call secret sin. It can be pornography, lust, lying, stealing, disobedience to parents, adultery, inordinate affection, etc., only to mention a few. All of them are works of the flesh. And to tell you the truth, they must be dealt with. Why? Because they are detrimental to fulfilling destiny. Of course, that is why the Bible says we should lay them aside.
Maybe I’ve mentioned at least one of the secret sins you are battling in this article, and you feel guilt-tripped. But can I tell you something? God loves you so much, and in Him, there is no condemnation (see Romans 8:1). That means that the feeling of condemnation isn’t from God but is usually used by Him to bring you to complete repentance from godly sorrow (see 2 Corinthians 7:10).
Dear friend, you are not alone. God is with you. But I want you to be accountable to God and your spiritual head for this area, especially if you are a preacher. Don’t joke with it. I will never feel shy to say that I used to struggle with porn since I got introduced to it as a teenager by a distant cousin. Oh, poor me! It took God’s grace and the help of many Christian friends, both males and females, and my local church pastorate to help me get delivered from it. That can be your story, too. But there is more.
Seal every part of your life with Christ
In Ephesians 4:27 (NKJV), the Bible says that as a child of God, you should not give any space to the devil. That means if you don’t take care, you can allow the devil to manipulate some areas in your life, and that will be very bad.
The devil has no good plans for you. He has a way of making you think there’s nothing wrong with the sin and likes bombarding you with so many temptations so you can fall for it. But hey, resist him. Speak God’s Word by divine authority and sack those evil thoughts away from your mind. It’s a war to do that, so never give up. And even if you fall, run to the Lord in repentance and speak to a trusted friend in the Lord to help you out. But after your healing, don’t go back to it. Lay aside every weight and always ask for grace to cover every area of your life.
All the best in your journey of faith, dear friend!
