1 Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (Hebrews 12:1)

Consider the word “Encumbrance”, that which weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward. We all end up with encumbrances in life. In fact the world and the enemy are quite good at finding the best things that encumber our lives, to tangle us up and drag us down. This is the way of the world and the way of the enemy. This is why we must focus fully upon The Way of Christ.

I liken this to someone who is out in nature, enjoying the day climbing a gradual mountain slope and comes upon a beautiful rock. Picking it up and admiring it he puts it in his pocket and walks on toward his goal, the summit. The slope and the walk is not hard and he is enjoying the exercise, when he comes upon another beautiful rock that he cannot put down. This continues as he climbs, coming upon ever more beautiful rocks until the pockets of his pants and jacket are ladened with them. Now, even though the slope is gradual the climb is no longer easy with all the added weight. He soon tires, looking longingly at his goal just ahead but too encumbered with the beautiful rocks to go on. He knows if he turns around, short of the summit and his goal, even the walk home will be long and tiresome with all of his new burdens.

Reflect on: The burdens you have taken on that are encumbering your walk with Jesus. Is it time to put them down so that you may make the way forward toward your goal easier? “My yoke is light and my burden easy…”