BIBLE READING

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

[1] Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, [2] fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

REFLECTION

Are you a hoarder or a clearer? Hoarders hoard - while clearers 'clear out'.

Hoarders keep everything; they're afraid to throw away or to let go of anything in case they need it later. They have cupboards, garages and drawers full of 'stuff', most of which will still be there in 10 years, unused, untouched, taking up space.

Clearers have the opposite attitude. If they haven't worn it or used it in the past 12 months - it's gone! It might be thrown out or given away. It doesn't matter. Clearers need the space and are ruthless about getting rid of 'stuff' which is no longer useful or required.

I sometimes think the same way about my own life. Is there 'stuff' there which was once useful, but is now not helpful? Are there relationships that were great at one time, but we've both changed and now they just feel like hard work? Is there a habit, a routine, a way of doing things, that used to serve a purpose, but is now actually keeping me stuck where I am? Am I trying to keep something alive, which, if left to it's own devices, would naturally die off? Am I giving emotional energy to things (or people) which really don't deserve my time or attention?

We can find it very hard to throw away or let go of some things, especially if we've had them for a long time. We get attached to them. Like an old sweater, we keep wearing it, even when it no longer fits. And yet, while we are holding onto them, hoarding them, we are leaving little room for something new to come in and take their place. Our hands are closed, holding something so tightly, and we aren't able to receive the new thing God has for us.

The New Testament writer of Hebrews was a 'clearer'. The Jewish Christians kept trying to hold onto 'stuff' from their religious past, good traditional stuff they were familiar and comfortable with. The author of the letter keeps telling them over and over - Jesus has fulfilled that, so you don't need to keep the religious ritual. Jesus has completed that for you, so that you don't have to do it. Jesus has accomplished that, so you don't have to keep trying. He is your Passover, He is your Sabbath, He is your all-sufficient sacrifice for sins, His blood covers iniquity.

In the end, he says: "...let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith." (Heb 12: 1-2)

Clear that 'stuff out'. Throw that 'stuff' away. Notice, some of the 'stuff' is sin. Sin entangles you, it binds you, it trips you up. But some of it is not sinful in itself - it's just not helpful. It 'hinders' you. It slows you down. It keeps you back. It weighs on you. It drains you. It keeps your eyes from being fully focused on Jesus. It keeps you living back there, while God has a new things for you right here.

Recently, before a wedding, I tried a suit on that was hanging in my wardrobe. It didn't fit at all. The suit hadn't changed, but I had. I bought a new, nicer, better fitting one. What in your life doesn't fit any longer, not because it has changed, but because you have? It's the same - but you're not. Get rid of it, make room for the new. Clear some space. God is drawn to places where we make room for Him.