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, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured on the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right Hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-2

Sometimes I feel like a constipated Christian.

I want to live like Jesus, put faith in action yet I remain in the current of same.

Pre-occupied by the push and pace of life.

Walking the well worn path of habit and routine.

I want to throw off all that hinders and run hard after Jesus.

It’s hard to run carrying things.

I carry a lot of things.

• The desire to do it all and do it all well

• Distractions of people, places and things

• The desire to have a beautiful, updated home

• Clothes, shoes and handbags

• Should I cut my bangs or let them grow?

• Who said what and how will I respond?

• How do I course correct my son so he is kind and responsible – not a serial killer – because this week, I have doubts.

Easy to get swallowed by life.

Easy to become consumed by people, places and things that have nothing to do with Jesus or His kingdom.

I'm asking myself what it means to follow Jesus in my every day, western, first-world life. Click To Tweet

What must I put down, then pick up?

Lose to gain?

I don’t want a life consumed by chaff.

I make it to Heaven but only as one escaping through flames.

“What did you do on earth?” ask Peter, Paul, Matthew, John.

“Well, I went to the grocery store to shop for food.”

“For the homeless?”

“Well, no.”

“Oh, so you stopped to pray for people?”

“I wanted to but I didn’t have time. I had to get home, make dinner and get to church.”

Awkward silence.

“So, what else did you do?”

“I cleaned my house and invited the neighbors over for dinner.”

“To tell them about Jesus?”

“Well, no. They weren’t comfortable and it would have been awkward. We talked about what kind of car they were buying.”

More silence.

It’s not going to matter.

One day most of the stuff that consumes my time, attention and much of my life isn’t going to matter.

I want change; I want revival – in me, in my soul. I want faith I can see, taste, touch.

To throw off all that hinders me, I need space and quiet for God’s still, small voice.

I have to stop because He whispers.

Be still and know that I am God.

Be still.

Know God.

Let His priorities become mine.

Allow His nails to build my life.

My life is made up of many small pieces – choices and moments that seem insignificant.

To follow, I must throw off the stuff I think is important and trade it for His cross – the one He crafted lovingly, just for me.

Make room for the people, places and things of God.

Eliminate hurry and busy because love can’t grow there.

Choose His Way – His upside down, inside out way.

The Way that makes no sense.

The Way that’s inconvenient.

The Way that takes me places I don’t want to go.

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done – inside of me.

Let me throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let me run with perseverance the race marked out for me, fixing my eyes on Jesus.