I want to continue examining the text found in Hebrews Chapter 12. Let’s focus on the message of running a race! The author encourages us: “…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 our faith.” What a different, yet positive view of sin. 

The message is to look at and describe sin not as something you wallow in and have a major pity party over, but to see it as something that entangles you. Unfortunately, our lives can become full of bitterness towards our neighbor; unforgiveness, gossip, greed and hoarding, to name a few. Also included is never giving to anyone, never serving, never helping, always angry, never trusting, or always fearful. These types of negative traits are meant to encumber us from being able to run the race that was set before us. To use an analogy, I saw a runway show that featured a fashion trend called, “extreme layering.” This fashion trend looks like you are wearing every piece of clothing you own. When you are entangled, you experience extreme multiple layers of ungodly weights that negatively affect your life and the lives of others connected to you. 

Friend, get rid of all the bitterness, unforgiveness, greed, malice, and fear. Don’t let these characteristics entangle you, weigh you down, or hold you back from the progress God wants for you in life. Let them go and run the race that God has set before you so you can have victory in your life.