Lifting Weights

'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, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. '
Hebrews 12:1-2

When I was reading this passage, it occurred to me that laying aside weights, while not easy, is infinitely more simple than setting aside our sins which cling so closely.  I pictured some horrible creature with his hooks buried deep in my back. His damp breath thick with graveyard stench, he whispers lie after lie into my ear.  Time after time he tries convincing me that I am not who God says I am, that God is not who He says He is.  His presence is unwelcome but so familiar that it is almost inconceivable to imagine life without him perched on my back.

 Then a friend shouts out,  "Dude, what is on your back?"  He comes to my aid and begins wrestling this creature off of me.  The spines tear as the vile thing begins to rip free.  The blood flows and the hurts ache.  My friend is attacked in the struggle by my sin creature desperate to hang on to his comfortable home.

After it is done, I begin to walk.  I'm sore, hurting, but the weight is gone and my step is lighter.  I quicken the pace.  Soon, I am running.  The path is straight and smooth, but there are many miles to go.  My friend catches up.  "Let's run together," he grins, "in case that thing tries to come back."

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