Daily Devotion, 3/20/21, Lay aside

… 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 (Heb. 12:1).

The author is comparing the Christian life to an athletic contest. To “lay aside” is one Greek word meaning to lay something down and push it out of reach. Athletes involved in track and field do not want any excess weight that might slow them down. They lay aside anything that might hinder their speed. Christians are also involved in running a race. We are seeking to make our lives count for Jesus. Some things can slow us down and make us ineffective. Our text is referring to sin. If we do not deal appropriately with the sins in our lives through the use of confession, repentance, prayer, and the Lord’s Supper, our witness is rendered useless. Sins are like excess weight, which slow down and even cancel out our effectiveness.  If we ignore them and allow them to remain, they grow in weight. If you don’t remove them, they will eventually weigh you down and knock you out of the race of faith.

Gracious God, our Father, I pray I will not allow disobedience to You to gain a firm hold on my life. Please help me recognize when sin has crept in and then quickly confess and repent, asking You to help me lay it aside. I want to be a useful servant of Jesus, my Lord, and Savior. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.