Hebrews 12:1 uses two different words to describe those things that slow us down and create obstacles in our lives. These two words are "hindrances" and "sins." The first one I want to deal with is hindrances.
Hindrances
A hindrance is anything that keeps us from effectively living the Christian life. A hindrance doesn't necessarily have to be a sin. It can even be something that is "good." Although hindrances come in many forms here is a list of some of the most common ones that people have to deal with.
- A poor self-image. Negative comments can cause us to doubt our value. When we listen to what the world says about us rather than what God (the One who made us) says about us it will lead to a poor self-image.
- An attitude of defeatism. If we think we are beaten by our circumstances, we will never try!
- Feelings of rejection. Being devalued by others is painful and leaves us feeling unworthy.
- A fear of failure. When we allow fear to hinder us, we miss out on many wonderful opportunities that God has for us.
- A lack of self-control. If we can't control our impulses, we are easily persuaded and led off track.
- A negative attitude. Pessimism has a negative impact on our work and our relationships.
- Indecision. An inability to make decisions prevents us from progressing.
Sin
The other word used in Hebrews 12:1 is sin. The writer speaks of the "sin which so easily entangles us." The Bible informs us that a man who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. Hebrews 12:1 is referring to a specific sin, one that is a primary area of weakness in our life that we must continually guard against. It is the sin that ensnares us and divides our mind and hinders our relationship with others and with God.
Sins That Can Weigh Us Down
Here are some of the sins that will weigh us down:
- Unforgiveness. When we can't let go of past hurts, it damages us and hinders our relationships with God.
- A critical spirit. If all we do is criticize, we can hurt others and ourselves.
- A jealous spirit. If we always desire what others have, we are never happy with ourselves.
- Greed. A desire for more causes us to hurt others to get what we want.
- Pride. God hates it when we are conceited about our social standing, possessions, or looks.
- Lust. When love is replaced by lust, our desire is out of control.
- Unbelief. Although we may claim to believe the Bible, too often we are unwilling to trust in God to provide for our needs.
- Anger. Perpetual anger robs us of happiness.
- Bitterness. This is a poison that prevents us from giving and receiving love.
- Idolatry. Whatever we place before God is an idol.
What Sins And Hindrances Will Do
Like runners in a race, we must remove anything that slows us down. If we refuse, we'll find that those things will:
- Distract us.
- Divide our minds and send us off track.
- Drain our energy.
- Slow our pace.
- Cause us to stumble.
The Solution
There are eight actions we can take to rid ourselves of spiritual baggage.
- Admit to the Lord that we have a hindrance in our life.
- Acknowledge the sin that so easily besets us.
- Take responsibility for the baggage, no matter where it come from.
- Make a definite decision to deal with it.
- Lay it aside because it doesn't fit us as Christ's followers.
- Rely on Christ's strength to put it down and walk away (Philippians 4:13). God knows its hindering us, and He doesn't want it in our lives.
- Know the Lord will enable us to lay it aside.
- Understand it is discipline that determines the outcome of our decisions and destiny.
The Lord has planned the best race for each of us. However, we can't win and fulfill His plan until every hindrance is laid aside. We don't have to carry baggage and continue failing in our efforts to overcome the sins in our lives. God will set us free if we'll believe Him and by faith in the power of the Holy Spirit, make a conscious choice to do away with whatever is displeasing to Him.
What are the hindrances or sin in your life that you need to turn over to God?
--Pastor Temple
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