“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
February 27, 2026
Progress is a good word if it indicates progression in the right direction. As Christians we have a mandate to “run with endurance the race that is set before us.” We are warned, however, to “lay aside sin which clings so easily.” Unbelief in the face of trials is a trap. It’s like quick-sand deceiving us to make the wrong decisions. It was unbelief that kept an entire generation in Israel out of the Promised Land. Is there a sinful pattern that is especially alluring to you? Keep your feet free. Every sin we commit develops in us a taste for more sinning. It will sap our strength and make us weary in the race. Our culture is saturated with enticements to immorality. Living for material satisfaction can trip us up. An unwillingness to discipline ourselves for godliness can entangle us in wasted time and energy. Self-centered thinking can knock us out of the grace-lane. Is there something that is appealing to you that will keep you from progress in pursuing the joy of a God-glorifying finish in the race?
H
Reflections:
What are your characteristic fantasies, either pleasurable or fearful? Daydreams? What do your night dreams revolve around? (“X-ray Questions”, David Powlison)